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Day 2 of Warsaw Jumping CSIO4* and its Grand Prix culmination
The afternoon Grand Prix competition for the prize of PKN Orlen came on top of the second day of Warsaw Jumping CSIO 4* Longines EEF Series. The triumphant one in the jump-off turned out to be the Swiss rider Niklaus Schurtenberger, a bronze medalist of 2008 Beijing Olympics.
One by one, each Friday competition set the bar higher and higher, quite literally, as for the Grand Prix some bars already reached the impressive 160 cm, to say nothing of the technicality of the parkour – demanding loads of power from the horses and maximum of focus on the part of the jumpers. Any of the obstacles could cost you a penalty, the both combinations in particular. PKO Bank Polski Oxer no. 4 proved itself a real challenge to quite a few, and so did the 160 cm PKN Orlen straight rails. On top of that, the time limit seriously put the pressure up.
Only five out 48 picked up no penalties throughout the round, thus securing their participation in the jump-off. The latter itself resulted in three clears – with Schurtenberger delivering one, clocking 41.82 seconds.
Just two seconds behind came the Italian Giulia Martinengo Marquet with Elzas – stopping the clock in 43,88 seconds. The bronze went to Gerrit Nieberg from Germany, who completed the course with 10 year-old Westphalian Benie in a time of 45.35 seconds.
‘The parkour was quite a challenge, one of those few I had to focus a lot on the riding. That is why, I guess, only five of us delivered a clear one.’ – admitted the 53-year-old Swiss. Today’s victory is and obvious lift-up and makes our team look forward to Sunday’s Nations Cup even more. We are so happy to have been here. Every aspect of the competition has been well prepared – the parkour, stables, infrastructure, hotels – absolute top.’
As for Poland, Wojciech Wojcianiec with Chintablue picked up four penalty points, finishing 11th, which ‘leaves a lot to be desired’ – as he stated.
‘One fault is not the end of the world, though it leaves some wishes open, as it would be nice to have qualified for the jump-off. The fault came at obstacle no. 10, perhaps we lacked sufficient dynamics around this jump. After all, it is a sport of faults, so they will happen, no matter what.‘ – said Wojciech Wojcianiec. The reigning champion of Poland also confirmed his Saturday Longines ranking competition to be run with Naccord Melloni, and Chintablue to be his company again for the Sunday’s Nations Cup.
As it has been emphasised by the course designer, Italian Elio Travagliati, the difficulty of the parkour reflected the rank of the competition. Additionally, it was supposed to meet the demands of European and World Championship qualifications.
One may already feel tempted to forecast Sunday’s favourites, as this Friday has seen three Italian riders among the Grand Prix final six.
Earlier that day, the Medium Round for the prize of KGHM Polska Miedź saw the 22-year-old German Philipp Schulze Topphoff secure his victory. Edouard Schmitz of Switzerland with the 8 year-old gelding Illusion claimed another success at CSIYH (2YH) competition for the prize of CASE IH.
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WARSAW JUMPING CSIO 4*
An equestrian event that we have never seen in Poland before. The Longines EEF Nations Cup Final takes place during the Warsaw Jumping competition in July 2021. The high profile of the event and the attractive prize pool of more than PLN 1,900,000, guarantee the interest of the equestrian industry from all over Europe. Hosted at the unique architectural setting of Warsaw’s Służewiec Racecourse, the event become one of the most important sporting events of 2021, attracting attention of not only the equestrian world, but also business, culture and politics.
LONGINES EEF SERIES
The Longines EEF Series is a show jumping Nations Cup circuit created by the European Equestrian Federation which replaced the FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 2. Launched last year, but postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19, it is divided into four European regional areas – North, South, Central and West – including the 38 National Federations, members of the EEF. The Longines EEF Series includes qualifying CSIO3 *, one semi-final and a final, scheduled at the Warsaw CSIO4*. The winner will be admitted to compete at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup (that is, Division 1) in 2022.
EUROPEAN EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION
The EEF (European Equestrian Federation) was founded in 2009 with the aim of addressing the issues of the equestrian sports at a European level. Formally established in February 2010 with the adhesion of 27 National Federations (NF), including Italy, the EEF began to work with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to increase the influence of European nations within the FEI which, at the 2018 General Assembly, unified the FEI I and II groups within the EEF Group. 2015 saw the start of a partnership between the European Equestrian Federation and Longines – the title sponsor, timekeeper and official clock provider of the Longines EEF Series. The EEF currently includes and represents 38 European National Federations.
LONGINES
Based in Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaking company Longines wields expertise steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With generations of experience as official timekeeper of world championships, and as partner of international sports federations, Longines has built strong and long-lasting relationships in the world of sport over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd., the world’s leading watch manufacturer. The Longines brand, with its winged hourglass emblem, is established in over 150 countries.