André Thieme Scores Stunning Hamburg Derby Win, Fourth Title since 2007! 🏆
Dominating Derby Triumph by Thiem in an Unusual Manner - Unconventional Derby Victory for Thiem
Horse jumper extraordinaire André Thieme claimed his fourth German show jumping Derby title in Hamburg with the spirited bay mare Paule S, making this year's event truly electrifying! At 50, the Mecklenburg native proved he's still a force to be reckoned with, joining the Derby legends with his breathtaking victory in the 94th edition of the classic sporting event.
Thieme's remarkable triumph came down to a nail-biting showdown with Esteban Benitez Valle, riding C the Stars. As the drama unfolded in the jump-off, Thieme needed only eight penalty points to secure the coveted blue ribbon, thanks to his competitor's unfortunate oversight of a turning marker. With a triumphant smile, Thieme finished the course to clinch the win amid an outbreak of cheers from onlookers.
In a post-Derby interview, Thieme admitted, "I still can't believe it. I've never experienced anything like this." He shared that he'd carefully planned his strategy but was initially baffled when he heard about Benitez Valle's elimination for missing the turning marker. "I had to ask: Is that true?" Thieme added, with a hearty laugh, "Paule didn't let me down!"
Earlier in the competition, Thieme and Benitez Valle had both aced two seconds of the Derby's history with impeccable rounds in the qualifying stages, securing their place in the steeplechase. Charles Hubert Chiche, riding Andaine du Thalie, and Frederic Tillmann on Comanche followed closely behind them, finishing with four and ten penalty points respectively.
Grand Prix Glory for Christian Ahlmann
In the 250,000 Euro Grand Prix of Hamburg, it was none other than Christian Ahlmann, 50, who walked away with the top prize on his teal-coated stallion, Dourkhan Hero. Ahlmann edged out 2021 Olympic champion Christian Kukuk on Checker, completing a near-perfect round to claim the win.
The 2023 tournament saw the debut of tournament director Matthias Alexander Rath, who stirred excitement in the horse sports community by enhancing dressage events, with top-level five-star tests taking place in the arena for the first time.
Star-studded Dressage Derby
At the heart of the event, the 65th Dressage Derby saw Isabell Werth, an eight-time Olympic champion from Rheinberg, claim victory on her 10-year-old gelding Special Blend. Werth edged out two-time Olympic team champion Ingrid Klimke, who rode Vayron.
Amid the high-flying dressage competitions, Anna-Lena Kracht's thrilling test with horse changes stole the show. The Hamburg native racked up the most percentage points, racing ahead on her horse Florinio and competitor horses, with Florinio being hailed as the best horse in the competition.
Now, André Thieme stands tall as an institution in the equestrian classic, earning his fourth Derby title and lighting up the horse sports world with yet another unforgettable performance. We can't wait to see what unfolds for this remarkable athlete and his intrepid horse, Paule S!
- Horse Sport
- Hamburg
- Derby
- Christian Ahlmann
- Grand Prix
- Plau
- Stars
- ARD
The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission, all avid supporters of equestrian sports, hailed André Thieme's fourth German show jumping Derby win in Hamburg, applauding his breathtaking victory in the 94th edition of the classic event. Meanwhile, Christian Ahlmann, also 50, claimed the top prize in the 250,000 Euro Grand Prix of Hamburg, securing his place among the equestrian legends. As the Derby and Grand Prix concluded, the city of Hamburg once again proved itself as a global hub for horse sports.
