French double victory in the Hong Kong Grand Prix

Richard Vogel was already first twice today, even before the 405,000 euro Grand Prix of Hong Kong had begun. Not only was he first on the starting list, meaning he had to open the show jumping, he had also secured victory in the final jumping competition of the tournament in the afternoon. His brilliant Belgian Phenyo carried him over the course of the 1.50 meter time jumping competition almost two seconds faster than the horses of the competition. This meant CSI victory number 17 for the pair, who have known each other since mid-July 2024.

Decision in the Hong Kong Grand Prix

So that was a good warm-up for the highlight of the tournament, the Grand Prix. Vogel had saddled up the twelve-year-old Holstein gray Cloudio by Casall. As the first pair in the competition, they showed the others how it can be done with a clear round. They were followed into the jump-off by nine other pairs, including Hansi Dreher and Cous Cous, who were able to maintain their good form throughout the weekend.

Vogel and Cloudio also had the unfortunate starting position of having to compete first in the jump-off. They were fast, 35.85 seconds. But they had one down.

Two pairs later, France’s Julien Anquetin and Blood Diamond Du Pont showed that they could go even faster. With a time of 34.18 seconds, they finished ahead of Vogel and Cloudio, but also had one down. Things went much better for Anquetin’s compatriots, especially Roger Yves Bost with the Baloubet du Rouet daughter Ballerina du Vilpion. As the penultimate pair in the jump-off, France’s former champion, who celebrated his 60th birthday last fall, and the 15-year-old Selle Français mare delivered a clear round of 34.94 seconds to take the lead.

Only one pair could have challenged them for victory: Simon Delestre with the Diamant de Semilly son Golden Boy. They did everything they could to push Bosty off the throne. But it wasn’t enough. They also crossed the finish line penalty-free, but 35.21 seconds was only enough for second place.

Behind the French duo was the Norwegian Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen on Equine America Harwich VDL (0/37.60), who is currently in fantastic form. Egyptian rider Sameh El Dahan and Oscar-A, riding for Great Britain, also crossed the finish line twice clear – in fourth place.

Richard Vogel ultimately finished fifth behind Anquetin.

The other results of the German show jumpers

Hansi Dreher and Cous Cous also came out of the jump-off with four penalty points. Their time was good enough for ninth place. Michael Viehweg and Contario had nothing more to do with the decision after three faults in round one.

Mikka Roth should have been on the starting list for the Grand Prix yesterday, but did not compete. Instead, he was able to secure a ribbon this afternoon in the jumping competition in which Vogel led the lap of honor. And not only him.

Michael Viehweg rode the Comme il faut son Cyrill to sixth place. The 19-year-old Roth, winner of the jumping competition for the Golden Saddle in Leipzig, finished directly behind in the saddle on Rossmount Flamenco B and ahead of Hansi Dreher on the nine-year-old Andiamo Semilly son Harley de la Cense.

You can find all the results from Hong Kong here.