Dominic Thiem's Surprising Victory in the Unconventional Derby Clash - Dominic Thiem Secures Unconventional Victory in Derby Duel
In a bizarre twist of fate, veteran show jumper André Thieme clinched his fourth victory at the German Show Jumping Derby in Hamburg, riding on Paule S, edging out his competition in a nail-biting finale. His rivals' misfortunes seemed to play a significant role in his surprisingly effortless win, solidifying Thieme's reputation as a legend in this esteemed equestrian event, previously claimed in 2007, 2008, and 2011.
The exhilarating 94th edition, boasting a prize fund of 120,000 euros, saw Thieme record an eight-fault round, a feat good enough to seal the deal. Spanish contender Esteban Benitez Valle, stationed in Hornsmuhlen, Segeberg district, was unfortunate to miss a crucial turning marker during the steeplechase, resulting in elimination. This mishap left Thieme to navigate through the course and collect the blue ribbon without any real stress.
Thieme himself was taken aback: "You're kidding me, right?"
Speaking to ARD, Thieme shared his disbelief: "I'd planned a grand strategy. When the announcer said he'd missed the turning marker, I couldn't grasp it. I had to ask again: How? Really? Is this true?" The tension-filled moment induced a whirlwind of thoughts in his mind. "By that point, the pressure was off. I just had to avoid any recklessness."
This victory, marked by the luck of his opponents' misfortune, added another chapter to Thieme's storied career. Prior to the final showdown, Thieme and Benitez Valle carving through the world's most arduous course (17 obstacles spread over a 1,230-meter length) without any faults earned them ride numbers 164 and 165 since the tournament's inception a century ago.
Ahlmann triumphs in the Grand Prix
In the marquee event of the five-day competition, the Grand Prix of Hamburg, Christian Ahlmann emerged victorious on Saturday, riding Dourkhan Hero, the 10-year-old stallion he mounted. Ahlmann's clear round secured the fastest time, dethroning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk (Riesenbeck) and his gold horse Checker who settled for the runner-up position.
Werth shines in the Dressage arena
The dressage arena witnessed a prestigious premiere, thanks to new tournament director Matthias Alexander Rath. The event unfolded the first top-level five-star tests in the arena.
Eight-time Olympic champion Isabell Werth from Rheinberg edged out her competitors in the Grand Prix Special, riding her 10-year-old gelding Special Blend. Werth surpassed two-time team Olympic champion in eventing, Ingrid Klimke from Münster, who finished second on Vayron.
"I've been away from Hamburg for 17 years," Werth remarked. "I'll return more often now. I truly believe Matthias is on a great trajectory here in Hamburg, and the tournament has the potential to flourish even further in terms of developing dressage."
The 65th Dressage Derby took a backseat to the high-profile dressage competitions, with Anna-Lena Kracht taking the crown after a horse change. Kracht tallied the most points, riding her personal horse Florinio, and her competitors' horses, Felix Kneese (San Simeon) and Kristin Biermann (Queensland). Florinio's exceptional performance earned it the top spot.
- Horse Sport
- Hamburg
- Derby
- Christian Ahlmann
- Paule S
- Benitez Valle
- Dressage
The victorious André Thieme, on Paule S, reclaimed his status as a legend in horse sport at the German Show Jumping Derby in Hamburg, following the misfortunate elimination of Spanish contender, Benitez Valle, in the steeplechase. Meanwhile, Christian Ahlmann triumphed in the Grand Prix of Hamburg, riding Dourkhan Hero, while eight-time Olympic champion Isabell Werth dominated the Dressage arena, securing the win in the Grand Prix Special. The unique and eventful horse sport event, held in Hamburg, included top-level five-star dressage tests.
