On the second day of competition at the 2016 CDI Fritzens on Saturday 2 July 2016, German Jenny Lang-Nobbe and her Holsteiner Loverboy captured the first place in the Grand Prix for Kur. She edged out compatriot Stefanie Weihermuller on Fantomas IV. The best performing Austrian was Austrian U25 Team member Timna Zach. In the small tour Austrian Christian Schumach surprised with his talented Sinclair Jason.
The show was blessed on Saturday as the weather forecast had predicted rain, but it didn't take until thirty minutes after the final award ceremony that rain came in over the Tyrolian Alps.
Schindlhof Debut for Lang-Nobbe
For the 29-year old Jenny Lang-Nobbe her first showing at Evelyn Haim-Swarovski's Schindlhof in Fritzens, Austria, was a success. Aboard her 16-year old Loverboy she won the Grand Prix for Kur with 71.760%. Stefanie Weihermuller and Fantomas IV was the runner-up with 70.780%.
"Loverboy likes it here at Schindlhof," said Lang-Nobbe who is based in Karlsruhe, Germany. "A heavy blow of wind into the arena during out Grand Prix did not knock him out of his concentration. He likes it so much here, that he was even relaxed in the prize giving ceremony, because he likes to behave like a wild pony in them." Lang will be riding her Pink Panther freestyle on Sunday.
Schumach and Sinclair Jason Surprize in the Small Tour
German Dorothee Schneider and her black Kiss Me (by Kaiserkult) grabbed their second small tour trophy of the weekend. After winning the Prix St Georges, they also aced the Intermediaire I with 76.40%.
Austrian Christian Schumach sandwiched himself in between the Germans in the top three by finishing second with 71.211%. He rode the 8-year old Oldenburg bred Sinclair Jason, a San Amour x Lord Sinclair offspring bred by Jason Davis. German Max Wadenspanner and Sanwero were third with 70.90%.
"I'm really astonished by Sinclair's performance," said Schucmach. "He showed a great sporter's mentality and fought for me. And there is still room for improvement." Christian made his small tour CDI debut on this horse in Munich and also placed him in Achleiten. Sinclair Jason is owned by Petra Lisec, who was cheering the pair on in Fritzens. She is also the aunt of Austria's number one youth western rider Anna Lisec.
Rio Para Tickets at Stake
The first part of the Austrian Para Dressage Championships have been contested at Schindlhof. Title defender Pepo Puch convinced on Saturday aboard Fontainenoir by winning the individual test with 80.69%. He is looking forward to his dress rehearsal of his Rio freestyle at the Schindlhof on Sunday.
"Much can go wrong in it as we want to present an extremely difficult freestyle with many technical challenges. For Rio we have to try it all, because the international level is getting better all the time," said Puch.
Behind him a big race for the last Rio tickets is taking place. On Sunday three further Rio tickets will be decided on after the freestyle.
"It is great to see that our team is in such good form," said para chef d'equipe Theres Rantner. "Both riders and horses are dealing well with the pressure of an Olympic qualification and showed good rounds."
Jutta Rus-Machan, the only Grade 4 rider in Fritzens and a medical doctor at the Bad Aussee rehabilitation centre, and her 10-year old gelding Day 'n Night unfortunately had to retire from her test.
"Such a pity for Jutta, she tried everything, but this is the sport," Rantner stated.
The two Kartner based Grade 11 riders Julia Sciancalepore and Michael Knauder are behind Pepo Puch tying with 72.391% after the first round of the Nationals. Bernd Brugger and Denigo (68.095) and Thomas Haller on Puschkin (67.143) complete the top five.
Gala Evening with Soccer Thriller and Olympic Judges
The excitement at Schindlhof concluded on Saturday night with a special gala evening. Isabell Werth, who is aiming to get the Manfred Swarovski challenge trophy aboard her world class talent Emilio, gave flowers to show host Evelyn Haim-Swarovski during the gala.
"This is a wonderful show, with a super relaxed atmosphere and top sport. Both are combined here," said Werth.
For soccer fans there was also the opportunity to watch the game between Germany vs Italy in the quarter finals of the 2016 European Soccer Championships. A big screen on the wall kept all guests entertained, including Werth who regularly rose from her chair in excitement.
Six Olympic judges are officiating at Schindlhof and they enjoyed the relaxed gala evening, just like German show organizers Ullrich and Bianca Kasselmann.
"Without these two guests, this show wouldn't exist," said Klaus Haim about Ulli and Bianca. "They encouraged us twenty years ago to make a big international competition from our small national show. Incredible what has happened over the years."
The gala evening further featured celebrity guests such as Dr. Franz and Heidi Fischler and honorary consul Dr. Ernst Wunderbaldinger and his wife. Dancing stars and Austrian champion Julia Polai and her dancing partner Michele Prioletti invited the guests to the dance floor at midnight while the vocal magician Gregor Glanz stood on stage and sang. Soundexpress Tirol provided swinging Big Band music.
Photos © Max Schreiner
Info, images, videos, starter and results lists can be found at www.schindlhof.at, or on Facebook and Youtube.
Schedule:
Sunday 3 July 2016
- 08h: Grand Prix Consolation class
- 09h: Grand Prix Special (top 15 pairs of the Grand Prix for Special)
- 12h: Austrian Championships Paradressage - Round 3 Kur to Music
followed by a show program and prize giving "Who Wears the Nicest Hat?", moderated by Mirjam Weichselbraun - 14h30: Grand Prix Kur to Music (top 15 pairs of the Grand Prix for Kur)
Related Links
Scores 2016 CDI Fritzens
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2016 CDI Frizens