In the main event of Saturday evening, the 4* 1.50m Van Mossel Automotive Prix, Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann demonstrated his world-class talent. Only three combinations managed to complete the technical course without faults and qualify for the jump-off. In that decisive round, Von Eckermann and his experienced mare Calizi came out on top.
“The course was delicately built, with a tight time allowed. You were constantly under pressure to keep up the pace, and the tricky combination at the end made it even more challenging,” Von Eckermann explained afterward. “Luckily, Calizi is very experienced and naturally quick, which is great because you don’t have to worry about the time. She’s efficient and eager — exactly how I like my horses to be.”
Strategic Advantage
As the last rider to go in the jump-off, the Swede also had a strategic advantage, though the time to beat set by Hessel Hoekstra was sharp. With a calculated and lightning-fast round, Von Eckermann managed to make the difference. “Hessel’s round was really tight, but I know Calizi is just that bit faster. If I kept the turns short and rode forward to the last fence, I could take the win — and it worked out! I’m super happy with that.”
It was a strong debut for Von Eckermann at Jumping Indoor Maastricht. “It’s fantastic here — everything is excellently organized. Tomorrow I’ll compete in the Grand Prix with Qasirah van de Reistenhoek, who’s a bit greener, but we’ll give it our best. Hopefully, we can achieve another great result!”
Hoekstra Close to a Double Win
Hessel Hoekstra had an outstanding day. Earlier, he had already won the 1.45m class and seemed on course for another victory with a sharp jump-off round on the approved stallion VDL Mindset ES. The eight-year-old stallion jumped both rounds with great ease, earning Hoekstra an impressive second place. Niels Bruynseels, riding the eleven-year-old Oaky Flandria, also made it to the jump-off but dropped one rail in the sand arena of the MECC, leaving him in third place.
Dutch top riders Johnny Pals and Harrie Smolders narrowly missed the jump-off due to a single time fault but still secured spots within the top five.
Photos by Digishots
