Justin Verboomen (BEL) riding Zonik Plus - winners at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ - s' Hertogenbosch (NED) ©FEI/Leanjo de Koster
The final qualifier of the FEI Dressage World Cup Western European League in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED) turned into a direct duel between the world numbers one and three: Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Charlotte Fry (GBR). In the end it was Verboomen with Zonik Plus who came out on top, while Fry and Glamourdale had to settle for second place. Home favourite Marieke van der Putten (NED) finished third with Zantana OLD RS2.
In the sold out Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch, traditionally the final qualifier of the Western European League, crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of two outstanding black stallions: Zonik Plus and Glamourdale. What followed was a battle of titans in which both combinations proved closely matched.
Lightness versus power
Verboomen and Zonik Plus were narrowly the best of the two in both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle, but Fry and Glamourdale were never far behind.
The margins were minimal, yet in the end the elegance, lightness and apparent ease of Verboomen and Zonik Plus prevailed over the power, expression and scope of Fry and Glamourdale. Both combinations made a small mistake in the tempi changes, but the overall standard remained extremely high.
Verboomen secured victory with 89.205%, while Fry finished just behind on 89.085%. The Belgian athlete appeared noticeably happier after the Freestyle than he had been after the Grand Prix.
“For the Grand Prix and already from the moment we arrived here, Zonik Plus felt very good. But once we were in the arena during the Grand Prix he became a little distracted and tense. We still won, but I wasn’t completely satisfied. Today in the Freestyle Zonik was much calmer, softer and more relaxed. That relaxation was exactly what I was looking for, and it made a big difference today,” explained Verboomen.
Fry pleased despite narrow defeat
For Fry and Glamourdale the feeling was similar. They too were far happier after the Freestyle than after their Grand Prix test.
“Glammie felt amazing today, just incredible. We had amazing moments, some of the best I’ve ever felt on him. The trot half passes and the extended canter just felt like flying. Just a few small blips snuck in, which was a shame, but it’s good to know there’s more for the future. So hopefully one day we can beat Justin,” Fry said with a smile.
Personal best for Van der Putten
Dutch leading athlete at the moment, Marieke van der Putten, guided Zantana RS2 OLD to a new personal best of 82.175%. The talented mare showed impressive ability to collect, and Van der Putten believes there is still much more to come from the combination.
“I was super happy with her. In the beginning of the freestyle she was a bit too excited, but the rest for now couldn’t be better. Especially with the canter work I was really happy,” said Van der Putten.
World Cup Final picture taking shape
Two more combinations broke the 80% barrier in ’s-Hertogenbosch. Raphael Netz (GER) scored 80.810% with DSP Dieudonné, presenting the eager black stallion with great harmony. Charlotta Rogerson (SUI) also surpassed the 80% mark with Bonheur de La Vie, scoring 80.270% just as she had done on home soil in Basel.
From the Western European League, the top nine combinations qualify for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Fort Worth (USA), with final confirmations of all combinations expected in the coming days.
Following the last qualifier in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Verboomen leads the World Cup standings. His compatriot Larissa Pauluis sits in second place, while Patrik Kittel (SWE), who was not present in ’s-Hertogenbosch, completes the top three.