3 June 2015

Saumur: Hölle and Rutjens in the lead

After the horse inspection this morning, the programme of the international driving event in Saumur started with the dressage for the pony singles and pony pairs this afternoon. Reigning World Champion Martin Hölle (HUN) drove his experienced Apache de la Licorne to victory in the singles class. Rodinde Rutjens (NED) put down the best performance in the pony pairs class.

The Ground Jury with the five international judges unanimously awarded Hölle, who is celebrating his 18th birthday today, with the first place. Claire Lefort (FRA) finished second with no less than 12 points difference, followed by Sebastien Pallen (BEL).

The pony pairs class remained exciting until the end. Wolter van der Veen (NED) put down a good test and took the lead after three competitors, but was beaten by his compatriot, the 17-year-old Rodinde Rutjens. Last starter Olivier Thiriez (FRA) finished on the second place after having beaten Van der Veen’s score by just 0,13 penalty points.

The single and pair pony drivers now have two days to prepare for the marathon with eight obstacles (seven for the single ponies).
The horse singles and horse teams will drive dressage on Thursday, followed by the horse pairs and pony teams on Friday.

Click here for the starting orders and results