27 September 2014
Izsák: marathon brings changes in ranking
Today was marathon day in Izsák at the FEI World Single Driving Championships. A good speed was needed to achieve the best results. The weather was nice and not too warm, so ideal for horses and people.
Eight hard and long obstacles, which were expected to be easy and not enough challenging for singles as they had originally been built for the European Four-in-Hand Driving Championships last year, appeared to be a major task for many drivers.
U.S. driver Jacob Arnold who was the winner of marathon at the international competition previously this year in Piber (AUT), proved his talent and set best times in four of the eight obstacles. Driving Hotspur’s Red Rowley, the 10-year-old Morgan gelding which was originally driven by Cheryl Pratt Rivers, who had an unfortunate accident at the competition in Kisber this summer, but let Jacob drive her horse at this championship, he went smootly and fast through all obstacles.
Two points behind the American driver, Wenche Johannsen(NOR) finished second ahead of Dieter Lauterbach(GER).
Wilbrord van den Broek could not keep his lead after dressage but he is still on the second place with just one penalty behind the new leader after marathon, French driver Renaud Vinck. Weronika Kwiatek is currently on the third place with less than one point from van den Broek. German team members Philipp Faisst and Marlen Fallak are fourth and fifth within a ball from the podium.
Germany is leading the team standings just ahead of France and Norway. The cones will cause an exciting final in Izsák tomorrow.
