Germans dominate Boekelo horse trials

A clear showjumping round by overnight leader Julia Mestern on Schorsch 6 meant the German rider retained the lead at the CCI3* Boekelo horse trials in the Netherlands at the weekend, taking home the €12,500 first prize.

A rail down by compatriot Simone Deitermann and Flambeau H who was in second place before the jumping let Kai Ruder riding Leprince Des Bois move up into the runner-up slot and Polly Stockton and Regulus into third.

After Deitermann in fourth was New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson riding Avebury in firth, who pocketed €2000 for the minor placing.

Of the rest of the Kiwis, Tim Price riding Keyflow was the next best after Nicholson, in 30th with 66.40 penalties. Neil Spratt and Hugo's There III were 39th on 75.60, Dan Jocelyn and Special Advocate were 44th on 80.50, and Nicholson's other mount and also his team horse, Nereo, finished 53rd on 92.50. Caroline Powell's Apapa did not pass the horse inspection before the showjumping.

It was no contest in the teams competition, with Germany (127.70) maintaining its dominance to come out 45 penalties ahead of the British team (172.70), with Australia third on 188.40 penalties. Fourth was Ireland on 227.60, and New Zealand was fifth with 239.40.

In all, of the 108 starters 30 failed to complete the event.