As of: 05/19/2023 4:05 p.m
André Thieme experiences ups and downs of emotions at the German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby in Hamburg-Klein Flottbek. While the European champion was eliminated with Contadur in the first qualification, the pair won magnificently two days later. The NDR also broadcasts live on TV and on NDR.de at the weekend.
In 1:38.43 minutes, Thieme and his parade horse achieved the fastest zero-fault ride in the second derby qualifier, which was endowed with 53,000 euros. The three-time Derby winner nevertheless wants to stick to his decision not to ride Contadur in the battle for the blue ribbon on Sunday.
“I’m afraid that something will get stuck. Then there are the railway barriers and also the Busch-Oxer. I don’t think I would do him any favors with that,” said the 48-year-old from Plau am See.
The stallion had “got a huge fright on the Busch-Oxer” on the opening day and then lost courage. The derby on Sunday was supposed to be his last appearance.
Thieme, who finished third last year with Contadur, will now start with Paule. “He may be young and not trained for it, but I think I’ve found my candidate for Sunday,” beamed Thieme, who finished 16th with his second horse with just one down.
Co-favorite Auffarth also remains flawless
Second was Shane Breen Scarteen (0/1:39.04), who presented himself in strong form in Hamburg. The duo had already taken third place in the first qualification, and the Irishman had finished third in the championship the day before with Quick Star.
The only 21-year-old Marvin Jüngel (Rothenburg/Saale) came in third with Balou’s Erbin (0/1:48.25). Eventing rider Sandra Auffarth (Ganderkesee), one of the favorites on Sunday, also stayed clear with La Vista (1:51.62) – eighth place. The best German rider was Clara Blau (Bramsche) with Paul (0/1:51.32) in seventh place. For the first time it went over the dreaded derby wall.
On Saturday, the focus is on the Grand Prix, which is endowed with 300,000 euros. For the first time since 2008, jumping is not part of the Global Champions Tour million series.
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