Abu Dhabi/Uthlede – The winner never lost his cool: Jos Lansink was satisfied with the performance he and his mare Valentina van´t Heike delivered and pointed out that he finds it “more important to be healthy than to be wealthy.” No matter what, the Belgian rider will be taking 90,000 Euros of the 300,000 Euros total prize money back home from the first CSIO5* Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Lansink and the 12 year old Belgian bred mare, who was purchased by Lansink as a 6 year old, jumped into first place with a clear round in 36.43 seconds and forced the two-time Olympic team champion, Lars Nieberg (GER), into second place. “I am totally content because it is the fastest jump-off round I’ve had with Lord Luis to date,” commented Nieberg and followed with “I don’t know what I could have done better.”

The top pair came extremely close to the win, just like Olympic silver medallist Rolf-Goeran Bengtsson (SWE) with Quintero La Silla in 35.55 seconds as well as Mario Stevens (GER) with MacKinley in 35.54 seconds, but both of the last pairs knocked down the final fence.

Included in the 11 rider jump-off from the 48 starters in “The President of the UAE Showjumping Cup” were Abdullah Al Saud from Saudi Arabia and Abdelkader Said from Egypt, who ended up as the most successful rider from The Gulf region. “Now there’s no excuse for coming late,” joked Jos Lansink when Said received his brand new Longines watch. Lars Nieberg, a member of the second placed German team in the Longines Nations Cup, was named the most successful international rider. Sheik Shakboot Al Nahyan was fully shocked to be honoured as best rider from The United Arab Emirates.

It was no surprise for Lansink, German chef d’Equipe Heinrich-Hermann Engemann and Robert Smith (GBR). “I’ve often been here over the past years and great riding success has been achieved in a very short period of time,” mentioned Lansink. “There was nobody who could compete in a CSI2* five years ago, and now The United Arab Emirates team delivered good results in the CSIO5* Nations Cup.” Engemann has also seen the serious competitors coming into the European show jumping sport. “I’ve also seen them often in Europe and I’m not surprised at the niveau,” said Smith.

Daily there were more spectators in Abu Dhabi’s Ghantoot Polo Club and the greatest support went to the home team riders. The fourth place for The United Arab Emirates team in the Nations Cup definitely helped. Volker Wulff (EN GARDE Marketing), who was called in by the UAE Federation to ensure organizational success, is sure that the CSIO5* can grow. “Every horse show needs to develop step by step, and it’s always possible to find something which can be improved – all over the world it’s the same.”

Resutls CSIO5* Abu Dhabi, The President of the UAE Showjumping Cup:

Grand Prix – Table A with Jump­off - The President of the UAE Showjumping Cup (300,000 Euros): 1. Jos Lansink (BEL) with Valentina van`t Heike 0 faults / 36,43 seconds, 2. Lars Nieberg (GER) with Lord Luis 0/ 36,62, 3. Ben Maher (GBR) with Robin Hood W 0/ 36,69, 4. Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA) with Kanebo 0/ 37,19, 5. Abdelkader Said (EGY) with Avenir 0/ 38,05, 6. Mario Stevens (GER) with Mac Kinley 4/ 35,54.

Prize of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Table A against the clock   (30,000 Euros): 1. Michel Hecart (FRA) with Norton des Vain 56,04 seconds, 2. Juan Carlos Garcia (ITA) with Paulin 56,39, 3. Robert Smith (GBR) with Vangelis 57,45, 4. Gert-Jan Bruggink (NED) with Cash Junior 57,64, 5. Cameron Hanley (IRL) with S.I.E.C.. Caro Ass 58,28, 6. Dermott Lennon (IRL) with Tolett 58,39.

Meydan Mini Grand Prix (5,000 Euros): 1.Ali Al Qassimi (UAE) with Quissanto 0/ 47,68, 2. Mohammed Ali Khaled (EGY) with Karamana 4/ 44,53, 3. Adel Khamis Ali Saeed (UAE) with Cappucino 4/ 49,68, 4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) with Belise  12/ 44,53, 5. Abdullah Al Marri (UAE) with Valee d`Alezan 4/ 69,99, 6. Abdhul Rahman Al Kaabi (UAE) with Feline S 4/ 71,34

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The President of the UAE Showjumping Cup

CSIO5*  |  3.–6. Februar 2010  |  Ghantoot Polo Club  |  Abu Dhabi (UAE)

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