What a final for the Blue Ribbon in Hamburg: 3 riders with clear rounds each had to fight it out in the jump-off on the most difficult course in the world. First off was Gilbert Tillmann and Claus Dieter, the 9-year old Grey of Clarimo x Cantus, Gilbert won in 2013 with Hello Max and came second last year after Pato Muente. 53,62 secs. was a good time but a pole fell at the brush hurdle.
Next came the 27 year old Derby newcomer Matthew Sampson with Gloria van Zuuthoeve (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Glorieux) who was already in the mix at the qualifications, finished in 50.53 secs – brilliant time and with a clear round.
And lastly came the world champion event rider Sandra Auffahrth, who also competed for the first time on this difficult course, with 9-year old Hanoverian Mare of Lordanos x For Pleasure she made the fantastic time of 46,41 secs. but unfortunately two poles fell at the finishing line. Anyway, the emotional wave of the spectators carried each one of the 3 riders over the finishing line.
To complete the picture it must be said, that after all 4 riders with only one knock-down ech were near to qualifying – but also that 9 riders retired or gave up.
The complete result here