Willi Schultheis' prodigy Rudolf Zeilinger is touring Europe on a winning streak. After his national victory in Stuttgart, Germany, and his World Cup Qualifying win in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Zeilinger thrilled the crowds at the Nekkerhallen in Mechelen, Belgium.
Winning the Grand Prix freestyle with 77.59%, Zeilinger and his Hanoverian Livinjo (by Lysander x Graphit) are now in the lead in the provision World Cup ranking, leaving Ann Kathrin Kroth just behind them.
The Nekkerhallen, one of Europe's largest indoor arenas, exhaled a wonderful christmas atmosphere which enabled the competitors to have a 'holiday-like' show. Decorated with lights, christmas trees and angelmist the arena looked more beautiful than ever.
Making his international debut after a long period of recovery was Lars Petersen's Blue Hors Cavan. Missing the Olympics Games due to a testical operation, Cavan (Hann, by Cavalier) seems to be back all the way. Scoring 76.29% in the freestyle, the Danish pair placed second. Third position was covered by Anky van Grunsven on Gestion Joker (Hann, by Prince Tatch xx). Her freestyle featured the exciting music of Bizet's opera Carmen. Gestion Joker is closely following the footsteps of Bonfire and, although his kur was not without mistakes, Joker is a very promising horse. He scored 75.36%.
Image copyrighted - Dirk Caremans