The Biogen 1.40m championships saw another testing, world-class track. Bernardo managed yet again to place jumps and lines in far different locations from what we would typically see. There was only one direct 5-stride line and also a two-stride combination of oxers, which is an unfamiliar obstacle here. All other distances gave the combinations a choice of line and striding. Ultimately, the jumps came fast with little recovery time, but rode exceptionally well!
Of the 52 starters, 12 top combinations made it through to the jump-off.
First to go was Leona van der Merwe (fresh from her 1.35m win) and Hey I’m Wilma. Despite an unlucky pole, they kept flying to the last, coming home with 4f in a speedy 37.51. Neriske, on her first ride of the jump-off, the scopey young stallion Capital Ayden, had the same fence down, suggesting it may be the bogey fence on the course.
Young Rider Holly Smith and Capital Clarissimo II, who had placed in both previous 1.40m classes, effortlessly cleared the bogey fence (with Dominey Alexander encouraging from the side), but had fence 6 down, likely because they were anticipating the inside turn that followed. They still took the lead at that stage as the fastest 4f in 36.29 seconds.
Fan favourites Chatan Hendriks and Biogen’s Greta G, were hoping to make it 3 wins from 3, gave us out first double clear in 37.24. The pressure was now on.
Leona returned on her second ride, 334 Finale U, and pulled off the inside turn to jump double clear in 35.22! Rainer Korber on Stewart Barker’s iPharma Callaho Conrado, who has been on exceptional form as of late and only recently moved up to the 1.40s, jumped a flawless round going into the lead in 34.90.
There was one combination left, Tamara Rueda and Callaho Liantos, known to be unbeatable. The two jumped a lightning-quick round (egged on by coach Johan Lotter), jumping an impressive 1.5 seconds into the lead for a very well-deserved win!
Results
1st – Tamara Rueda & Regenesis Vet Callaho Liantos
2nd – Rainer Korber & iPharma Callaho Conrado
3rd – Leona Van Der Merwe & 334 Finale U
4th – Chatan Hendriks & Biogen’s Greta G