Lars Back Andersen triumphant at Grand Prix! ‘It has only been our second international show.’

The most prominent one of Friday’s competitions at Warsaw Jumping 2024 – Lotto Grand Prix – for the prize of Lotto, under the patronage of Ministerstwo Sportu i Turystyki saw exactly 50 names on the starting list. The one to come on top – after an obviously emotional jump-off – was Lars Bak Andersen of Denmark.

The course designed by Gregory Bodo, the same one who took on the same mission at Paris Olympics weeks earlier, did not exactly allow for a smooth ride and jump. Suitably for a four-star competition, the parkour called for a healthy dose of skill and fast, well-assured riding. Only ten of them got through 14 obstacles flawlessly and they were the ones to face the jump-off.

As many as six of them managed to ride the jump-off course without a knockdown, so the obvious guide to victory was the clock. The best timing was achieved by the Danish duo of Lars Bak Andersen and the 12-year-old Golden Eye.

A fantastic win. It’s only been my horse’s second international show, so it feels amazing to be winning at the four-star Grand Prix already. – admitted the winner joyously. The course was tough enough, very well built. And a very interesting jump-off indeed. A big step for my horse. – he added.

Right after the Danes came the Swedish – Erika Lickhammer-van Helmond with Koberlina TN. I am super-super happy. It was tricky enough – I mean the course – but it was a very fair one. – stated the runner up with a grin.

The top third got accomplished by the female representative of the Netherlands Mel Thijssen, who did so well on the 11-year-old Imodo. This is the best we could have done. His jumps were amazing. We have tried our best to be fast. He is a lovely horse to work with. He jumps so many clear rounds. – the young Dutch could not help smiling.

Lotto Grand Prix – for the prize of Lotto, under the patronage of Ministerstwo Sportu i Turystyki

1. Lars Bak Andersen / Golden Eye (72.99/39.29)
2. Erika Lickhammer-Van Helmond / Koberlina TN (71.53/40.22) 
3. Mel Thijssen / Imodo (74.38/40.44)

Full results HERE

Phot. Łukasz Kowalski