PRESS RELEASE
Proud James (Jameson RS2 x Johnson TN) and Maxi Kira von Platen were the only combination to score over 85% in the Sport Horse Pro Horses Prize qualification for four-year-old horses on the first day of the Longines FEI/WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. Ein Quantchen Glück (Escamillo x Quaterback) and Svenja Grimm finished second, well ahead of Paparazzi (Vitalis x Fürstenball) and Marten Luiten that slotted in third place.
Pure enjoyment
‘‘Proud James is such a lovely horse with a superb temperament and his gaits are truly outstanding. He is a very trainable and cooperative horse and that makes my job in the ring very easy’’, stated a pleased Maxi Kira von Platen after the prize giving ceremony. When asked if she was nervous prior to her test, the German rider replied: “It is a great honour to ride at such a grand international event but Proud James is such a nice horse to work with that I am only enjoying myself.” The four-year-old KWPN performance top scorer, bred by Yolien van Maasacker and owned by Helgstrand Dressage, received an 8,7 for his perspective and trot. The Jameson RS2 offspring scored an 8,6 for canter and his submission was rewarded with an 8,4. “As far as I’m concerned, Proud James deserves a 9 for every aspect, so we still have some work to do in the final”, quips Maxi Kira.
Successful chestnut mares
The number two, owned by Mario Vargas and Svenja Grimm and bred by Sonja Leyers, also excelled in submission, for which she obtained an 8,7. The four-year-old chestnut mare that represents Chili also received two 8,5s for her walk and perspective. The third place was also claimed by a chestnut mare; the Oldenburg -bred Paparazzi, bred by Gestüt Lewitz and owned by Floor van der Weide Dressage and Stal Luiten. Paparazzi was awarded an 8,7 for her walk and 8,5 for her perspective, given her a half-point lead ahead of number four.
Photo credit: Stefan Lafrentz