Marcus Ehning rode Cornado NRW to win the Rolex Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant in the medieval city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, with Hans-Dieter Dreher in second and Willem Greve in third place.
The world’s best riders gave their all in an effort to win the CSI5*, with competitors from 13 different nations, including Australia, USA and Qatar. The Netherlands, with 11 riders, were the most strongly represented, followed by Germany with six and Belgium with five.
Louis Koninckx’s course was a challenging and technical ask, with a 13-fence first round against a very tight time. From the 40 starters, just 12 went clear and within the time to make it through to the jump-off.
Commenting on his victory, Marcus Ehning said, “I was really pleased with my horse. He was fantastic – it was a great course and great fans, as always here.” It was not to be for 2015 winner Daniel Deusser from Germany, riding Cornet D’Amour, who just tipped one fence down in the second round. The jump-off thrilled the packed crowds who were on the edge of their seats as the final riders battled it out. The passionate home fans had to settle for third place with Willem Greve, who was less than one second behind the German pair of Ehning and Dreher, with only four riders managing a double-clear. In ninth position were Rolex Testimonee, and the first and only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Scott Brash, who had one fence down early in the jump-off.
Indoor Brabant ran from March 10-13. There were several top CSI5* jumping classes over the four days, with the Rolex Grand Prix bringing the show to an exciting climax.
ROLEX GRAND PRIX 2016 RESULTS
1. Marcus Ehning (GER), riding Cornado NRW
2. Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER), riding Cool and Easy
3. Willem Greve (NED), riding Carambole N.O.P.
4. Jos Verlooy (NED), riding Sunshine
5. Simon Delestre (FRA), riding Qlassic Bois Margot
6. Daniel Deusser (GER), riding Cornet D’Amour
7. Penelope Leprevost (FRA), riding Vagabond de la Pomme
8. Gert Jan Bruggink (NED), riding Vampire
9. Scott Brash (GBR), riding Hello Forever
10. Leopold Van Asten (NED), riding VDL Groep Zidane N.O.P.
