1 April 2017
Exloo: Dutch drivers strong in marathon
With the exception of a light rain shower at the end of the afternoon, it was another beautiful day at the Hippisch Centrum Exloo, where the marathon portion of the two-star competition took place today. Spectators were able to enjoy an entire day of top sport which the six new obstacles delivered in spades. The Dutch drivers made a good showing today topping the results in no less than four of the divisions.
Sebastien Pallen
Photo: Krisztina Horváth
Sebastien Pallen took over the lead in the single pony division in front of Tamara Pijl and Marissa Schuiling. The difference in standings in minimal, making for an extremely exciting cones tomorrow. German Katja Helpertz finished second in the marathon and France’s Clair Lefort third.
Woutera van de Kamp
Photo: Krisztina Horváth
Dutch drivers Woutera van de Kamp and Karel van Kekem blazed through the marathon to finish first and second. With his third place in the marathon, Max Berlage was able to hold on to the overall lead in the class in front of Karine Poentis and Dieter Baackmann.
Jaap van de Horst
Photo: Krisztina Horváth
Jaap van de Horst delivered another win for the Netherlands in the single horse marathon. Pieter-Jan Brynaert was second and Christoph Dieker third. In the provisional placings John Ripley has taken the lead with Ans van de Velden and Joop Gommers in second and third.
Marijke Hammink
Photo: Krisztina Horváth
Marijke Hammink was not to be topped today and remained the fastest four-in-hand pony team beating both Aart van de Kamp jr. and Michael Bügener. Hammink is standing now just 0,22 penalty points behind Edith Chardon, which will make for a nail biter tomorrow. Jannes Kinds holds the third spot going into cones. Jan de Boer lost a groom in obstacle 3 putting him out of the running, but luckily the groom escaped with only minor injuries.
Theo Timmerman
Photo: Krisztina Horváth
The top two in the pair horse division have remained unchanged after the marathon. Martin Hölle also won this competition, in front of Theo Timmerman. Thanks to his third place finish in the marathon Antonie ter Harmsel also climbs to the third place in the provisional standings.
Bram Chardon
Photo: Krisztina Horváth
Bram Chardon has substantially extended his lead in the team horses. Andreas Wintgens is holding onto second place and Harry Streutker third. Edwin van der Graaf unfortunately drove through a wrong gate and Hand Heus retired.
Martje Witvoet
Photo: Krisztina Horváth
Martje Witvoet began her excellent combined driving debut with first place in the marathon which knocked Ingmar Veneman out of the first position in the provisional standings.
