Tabitha Kyle earns leading title in consolation for five-year-olds with Ottani Z

Saturday afternoon, the Almé Z Arena was all about the consolation for the five-year-old horses. After two qualifying rounds with no standings, this time they did fight for victory, which made for extra excitement along the sidelines. The obstacles were built at a height of 1.25m and the sunlit arena once again attracted a lot of enthusiastic spectators.

As many as 118 combinations appeared at the start, and of these, 47 managed to clear the technical round. However, it was Irish rider Tabitha Kyle who left the competition far behind. Together with the Zangersheide mare Ottani Z (Otterongo Alpha Z x Lord Z - Breeder: Ruisbroekfarms BV), she put in a truly phenomenal performance. With a lightning-fast time of 52.36 seconds, they stormed to victory, taking almost four full seconds ahead of the rest of the field of competitors.

^2nd place went to Italian rider Guido Franchi, who also impressed with a strong ride. However, in the saddle of the Zangersheide mare Bijou van't Klavertje Vier Z (By Ceira D'ick x Taran de la Pomme - Breeder: Jo & Christel Van Duyse - Bosman), he finished in 56.03 seconds, which was clearly short of threatening Kyle and Ottani Z.

In ^3rd place was British rider Nicole Pavitt with the BWP gelding Umberto II van het Geninsteinde (Arezzo VDL x Carthano I - Breeder: Bethy Noens). With a clear round in 58.39 seconds, they secured a well-deserved podium finish and a fine finale to their championship.