Katrin Eckermann wins the qualifying class

The second day of the Tiemeyer x Hetzel Young Horse Masters, the world's richest show dedicated exclusively to young show jumping horses, got underway on Friday at Holger Hetzel's equestrian centre in Goch, Germany, with a highly competitive second qualifier for the six-year-old horses.

A total of 87 combinations, including many of the world's leading international riders, came forward to compete. The fastest clear round in the opening section was produced by Fabienne Graefe (RG Ober-Castrop) aboard the Holsteiner mare Dalwhinny. Bred by Timm Peters, the daughter of Dinken crossed the finish line fault-free in 68.65 seconds to claim victory in the first division. The second division went to Hilke Wohlgemuth (RFV Beveraner Land) with the Westphalian gelding Dobble T, who also jumped clear in 70.99 seconds. The third division was won by Kai Terhoeven-Urselmans (RV von Bredow Keppeln) and Liza May, who completed another faultless round in 72.14 seconds.

"We saw a tremendous number of exceptionally talented jumping horses today," said host Holger Hetzel, delighted with the quality of sport on display.

The second qualifier for the five-year-old final was won by reigning European Champion Richard Vogel (RV Mannheim). As the penultimate starter, he guided the Westphalian stallion Maroon, a son of Manoulito bred by the Gripshöver family, to the highest score of the day, an outstanding 9.0, securing victory in the first division. Dutch rider Arne van Heel followed closely behind with the Holsteiner Kantato, earning a score of 8.8. Although narrowly beaten overall, he claimed victory in the second division.

Friday evening's qualifier for the seven- and eight-year-old horses attracted a record field of 125 starters. Katrin Eckermann (RV Kranenburg) and her Hanoverian mare Chacoona Cat, bred by Friedel Cordes, produced the fastest clear round of the evening in 64.01 seconds. Even European Champion Richard Vogel had to settle for second, as he and United Call JPS crossed the finish line clear but almost five seconds slower in 68.93 seconds.

Saturday will feature the first championship highlight of the event with the €25,000 Final for the six-year-old horses, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The finals for the five-year-olds and the seven- and eight-year-olds, offering prize money of €50,000 and €100,000 respectively, will take place on Sunday from 10:00 a.m.

Thomas Hartwig