During the international show in Oliva (Spain), offspring of VDL stallions made a strong impression with an impressive string of victories at all levels. From the Bronze Tour to the prestigious 1.50m Grand Prix, VDL blood dominated the podium.
The absolute highlight came courtesy of Cardento son Chasspleen Flamingo Z, who, under Colombian rider Santiago Diaz Ortega, claimed victory in the CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix. With a clear-round jump-off in 35.81 seconds, the pair secured the win and €14,250 in prize money. Alexandra Rantet is the breeder of the Cardento son and had already finished in 9th place in the 1.45m class on Saturday.
There was also success for the VDL stallions at 1.45m level. Grimaldi van het Keizershof Z (by Grand Slam), ridden by Lars Kersten, raced to victory in the Gold 2 class with a clear round in 35.04 seconds. The Grand Slam son was bred by Leon Otten. There was also a victory in the Final Gold 3 for Nelson Pessoa, a son of Harley, ridden by Daan van Geel. The pair remained double clear in 41.16 seconds, confirming their strong form. He was bred by B.H. & M.G. van Ginkel from Wilp.
In the Bronze Tour, Jinocentia Eickenrode, a daughter of Arezzo, proved particularly consistent under Holly Samantha Cox. On 20 March, the pair had already won a 1.35m class, followed by a convincing victory in the 1.40m Bronze Tour Final on 22 March, both times with a clear round. The Arezzo daughter was bred by J. van der Waaij.
Zirocco Cruise, a son of Zirocco Blue, also contributed to the success with a victory in a 1.30m class under British rider Lucy Hardy. The gelding, bred by Joe Cadam, jumped a clear round, thereby confirming the breadth of quality within the VDL lines. Later in the week, he also managed to finish in 2nd place in the 1.30m class.
With these impressive results, the VDL stallions once again underline their enormous influence in international show jumping. From young horses to Grand Prix level: their offspring combine ability, attitude and speed, and manage to distinguish themselves time and time again.
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