The deck was shuffled by the second round of the World Cup Final. A delicate 1.60m course was followed by a jump-off. Nine combinations remained clear, among them were Vancouver de Lanlore and Eddie Blue.

The KWPN-recognized Vancouver (Toulon out of Hispania de Bacon by Le Tot de Semilly, bred by Anne Dafflon of Lafitole) once again put his impressive skill on this display. His rider, the Swiss Pius Schwizer was more than satisfied afterwards. Rightfully so, the pair now head the intermediate rankings and have a good shot at a place on the podium.

“Vancouver jumped really well. He was calmer than he was during the first round, that’s good. Riding him becomes increasingly easy and for the last couple of months he has been jumping incredibly. I did not have to do much in today’s course, he did the job fantastically and showcased a lot of quality.” 

Eddie Blue (Zirocco Blue VDL out of Silvana keur prest by Marlon, bred by J. Honcoop of Chaam) of USA’s Devin Ryan also gave a topnotch performance. In front of his home crowd, he cleared the first course. In the jump-off, the last fence fell to the ground. The combination placed eight and is now ranked nine in the intermediate standings. 

Not so lucky in the second leg of the World Cup Final was the KWPN-recognized Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve out of Whoopie C by Mr.Blue, bred by J. Bellemans of Affligem). Midway through their course, Daniel Deusser decided to terminate his round. 

The top-15 features a few more KWPN horses. In the 13th spot we find Canada’s Erynn Ballard. She saddled her second horse Gakhir today and incurred one rail. So did Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei, they currently hold the 15th position.

This night’s victory was seized by United Touch S and Richard Vogel, second was Harry Charles aboard Balou du Reventon and the third place was taken by Andreas Schou and Darc de Lux. Pius Schwizer and Andreas Schou are currently in the lead. 

Find all news, results, and the list of participants in our media guide.

Photo: Stefan Lafrentz