One week after the 2010 Dutch Championships, bronze medallists Hans Peter Minderhoud and Ridderkerk took revenge by beating Dutch small tour champions Madeleine Witte-Vrees and Vontango B in the CDI Prix St Georges at the 2010 CDIO Rotterdam.
Minderhoud, who only has been riding the 12-year old Dutch warmblood Ridderkerk (by Kennedy x Glendale) since January, put down a smooth, flowing test though there were several imperfections. The bay gelding looked a bit lifeless lacking spice. The first volte was too big, the onset of the half pass left was difficult and the pirouette left mediocre. Nevertheless, Hans Peter steered Mrs Hendriks' bay gelding with much professionalism through the test and showed nice trot extensions and flying changes.
The combination scored 72.256% which was surprisingly high considering the small blemishes. The class was part of the judging system pilot project and judged by a panel of seven. American Linda Zang had Minderhoud at an astonishing 79.211% whereas Dutch O-judge Wim Ernes had the pair at a more sensible 67.105%. That's a 12,106% score difference between two judges!
The judges were also divided on second placed Madeleine Witte-Vrees and Vontango B (by Contango x Jazz) who scored 71.278% in total. Swedish judge Gustav Svalling scored the ride 74.737% while Evi Eisenhardt kept it at a 66.579%. Vrees rode with much brio and guided her liver chestnut gelding with expression through a fluent trot tour. The extended walk was relaxed and over the back. The Dutch rider only struggled with the half pirouette left in canter.
Imke Schellekens-Bartels and her new acquisition Toots (by Jazz) slotted in third with 70.188%. Schellekens' huge 188cm standing Toots is a total powerhouse but elegant instead of massive due this his lean long legs. The trot could have been more forward but the lateral movements looked great. In walk the black opened his mouth a lot and in canter only the pirouette left posed a problem.
Belgian former young rider Julie de Deken landed a fourth place with her graceful dark bay Holsteiner licensed stallion Lucky Dance (by Lucky Lionell). Trained by Imke Schellekens-Bartels, De Deken has been riding 'Lucky' for only 11 months and is starting to form a real combination with this 9-year old. The trot work was solid and clean, the extended walk excellent. Only in canter, Julie did not manage to regulate the tempo control and lost impulsion before the pirouettes. They achieved 68.947%, with Zang scoring them 75.000% and Eisenhardt a full 10% lower at 64.737%.
More photos from the CDI Prix St Georges and CDN Grand Prix Special below in the photo gallery (13 photos uploaded, scroll the gallery "1 of 3" at the bottom)
Related Links
Complete 2010 CDIO Rotterdam scores
Edward Gal and Totilas Secure Grand Prix Victory at 2010 CDIO Rotterdam