Verboomen Wins Thrilling Duel with Fry in FEI Dressage World Cup presented by Equestic

The audience in the Brabanthallen was served dressage sport of the highest level during the FEI Dressage World Cup presented by Equestic. For the first time since the European Championship in Crozet, Justin Verboomen with Zonik Plus and Charlotte Fry with Glamourdale faced each other again, resulting in a thrilling duel that was rewarded by the audience with standing ovations.

Verboomen ultimately came out on top. With an impressive freestyle scoring 89.205%, he narrowly beat Fry. "Zonik Plus was much calmer today and therefore softer in the connection," says the Belgian rider. "I'm always looking for that relaxation, because then everything actually runs by itself. I'm very happy with this victory."

Fry had to settle for second place with 89.085%, but visibly enjoyed her ride. "What an atmosphere today," responded the British equestrian. "At times it even felt like one of our best tests ever. There were a few small mistakes creeping in, but that gives confidence for the future: there's even more in us."

Marieke van der Putten delivered Dutch success between the stallion power with her mare Zantana RS2 OLD. With a personal best of 82.175%, she impressively finished third. "I'm incredibly proud of Zantana," says Van der Putten afterwards. "She was so eager at the beginning that we got a mistake in the extended trot, but after that she was completely focused again. I was especially super happy with the canter parts." With her strong test, the Dutch equestrian once again underscored the upward trend of the combination.

According to jury president Maarten van der Heijden, it was an afternoon worth drooling over. "We really saw world-class dressage today. The battle between Verboomen and Fry was unprecedentedly exciting. During judging, we had no idea who would ultimately win." Also Anky van Grunsven, chairperson of The Dutch Masters, said she enjoyed it: "Today the Brabanthallen were truly the place to be for top sport."

“We are proudly celebrating the FEI Dressage World Cup™ winners by awarding the well-known Saddle-Clip and the newly launched EQ Coach-Copilot, AI-supported equestrian training platform, — the best bundle for high performance and horse care”  - said Leon Rutten, CEO of Equestic.