11 Jul Oranje triumph for Remco Been in the BEMER Riders Tour
(Ommen/ NED) He put all his eggs in one basket and used his horse’s natural ability: 34-year-old Remco Been from the Netherlands won the third leg of the BEMER Riders Tour at the CSI3* in Ommen with Holland v.d. Bisshop. He could hardly believe his luck – he was already cheering wildly after the 41.71 second fast and clear round, although there were still three riders coming after him.
It was indeed a “showpiece” what the Been delivered with the 15-year-old Belgian stallion in the second round of the technically demanding Grand Prix competition of the BEMER Riders Tour. Quick as lightning in the turns and on the shortest routes, the pair took almost three seconds off the leading Amazon Julia Houtzager-Kayser (Austria). The Dutch rider thus secured his first 20 points for the BEMER Riders Tour ranking in front of his “home audience” and placed in the top group in one go.
48-year-old Julia Houtzager-Kayser, who has lived in the Netherlands for many years, had provided a smart “template” for her fellow competitors with High Five. Third place was secured by the Italian Giampiero Garofalo with the Dutch stallion Gaspahr. For Garofalo, too, it is the first points in the international jumping series.
“It is always nice to win at home,” said Remco Been, “I have had my horse for seven years, he is great.” For the rider, the Dutch tour leg was a premiere: “This was actually my first Tour start – a good experience. I’m checking my calendar to hopefully ride more stages.” This is exactly what Gianpiero Garofal is planning to do: he lives in Belgium and is now looking forward to the BEMER Riders Tour stage in Lier from 1-4 September.
Will and Stühlmeyer without luck
Exactly eleven out of 50 combinations made it into the second round of the Grand Prix of Ommen, presented by the Schuttert Trading Company and the Province of Overijssel, without any faults. The winner of the qualification, 25-year-old Irish rider Matt Garrigan, was not among them, he missed the chance with jumping faults. The winner of the second leg of the BEMER Riders Tour, David Will from Dagobertshausen and his Colorit daughter Concordia, also failed to reach the second round, as did the defending champion of the BEMER Riders Tour, Patrick Stühlmeyer and Carmina.
The CSI3* Ommen on the grounds of the Schuttert family around show director Hendrik-Jan Schuttert proved to be a spectator magnet. Thousands of equestrian fans enjoyed the opportunity to experience show jumping live, showed their excitement about the BEMER Riders Tour and gave the event an easygoing and friendly atmosphere. This is something the hosts attach great importance to – organising an event that is open and easily accessible for everyone – practically a family event.
The BEMER Riders Tour is now looking ahead to the fourth leg which will take place at the RZ Immenhöfe in Donaueschingen. The “Festival of Horses” runs from 27 to 31 July and is hosting the BEMER Riders Tour for the second time.
Result Grand Prix van het Vechtdal powered by Handelshuis Schuttert & Provincie Overijssel (1,55m) with winning round:
1. Remco Been (NED), Holland vd Bisschop 0/ 41,71
2. Julia Houzager-Kayser (AUT), High Five 0/44,34
3. Giamparo Garofalo (ITA), Gaspahr 0/ 44,69
4. Philipp Weishaupt (GER), Zineday 0/ 45,06
5. Conor Drain (IRL), Imagine 0/46,85
6. Patrick Lemmen (NED), Exit Remo 0/ 52,20
Ranking BEMER Riders Tour after third stage of eight:
1. Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann (GER), 20 Punkte
1. David Will (GER), 20
1. Remco Been (NED), 20
4. Oliver Lazarus (RSA), 17
4. Wolfgang Puschak (GER), 17
4. Julia Houtzager-Kayser (AUT), 17
7. Mario Stevens (GER), 15
7. Felix Haßmann (GER), 15
7. Giampiero Garofalo (ITA), 15
10. Maximilian Weishaupt (GER), 13
10. Mathias Norhaeden Johannsen (DEN), 13
10. Sophie Hinners (GER), 13
10. Philipp Weishaupt (GER), 13
Foto © Leanjo de Koster /Digishots