The VDL stallions made a strong impression at the CSI3* in Kessel last weekend. The highlight was the convincing victory of the impressive Gangster WW, a son of Grand Slam, in the 1.55m Grand Prix.
Ridden by New Zealander Luke Dee, the son of Grand Slam, bred by Wilhelm Winkeler, remained clear in both the first round and the jump-off. With a fast jump-off round in 38.49 seconds, the pair left the competition trailing and were awarded the top prize of €15,500.
Second place in this prestigious Grand Prix also went to VDL. Be Blue, a son of Brantzau bred by Helmut Osterkamp, also jumped double clear under Sergio Alvarez Moya and finished in 39.48 seconds. This gave the VDL stallions a fine one-two in the competition’s closing class.
In addition, Jesther, a son of Cardento, finished in a creditable fifth place with Maikel van der Vleuten. The Cardento son is bred by the Moerings family.
VDL offspring were also successful in the other classes. In the CSI1* Grand Prix over 1.40m, Jennifer Hidding rode Knick-Knock, a son of Etoulon, to an impressive fourth place. Knick-Knock is bred by J. Westenbrink and has only recently formed a duo with Jennifer Hidding.
Earlier in the weekend, Ruben Romp and Joriena V, a daughter of Zirocco Blue, won the 1.40m Small Tour. Vestjens is the breeder of the Zirocco Blue daughter. In the same class, Lena van Perbeemd, a daughter of Arezzo, finished fourth with Hessel Hoekstra. She is bred by D. Vermeiren.
With a victory in the Grand Prix, a second place on the same podium and several top placings in the surrounding classes, the VDL stallions once again enjoyed an extremely successful international weekend in Kessel.
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