Hat Trick for Richard Vogel in Borek Prize

Richard Vogel continues to impress at The Dutch Masters. The German top rider claimed his third victory of the weekend in the 1.50m Borek Prize, thereby confirming his iron-strong form in the Brabanthallen.

For this class, the course designer had laid out a technically challenging course, in which the best twelve combinations from the first round returned for the decisive winning round. Vogel managed to make the difference once again with Phenyo van het Keysersbos.

"This was already Phenyo's fourth victory this year," says Vogel afterwards. "We've ridden three competitions and won four times, that's obviously a very nice statistic. I'm very happy that he's in our team. He's fast, smart, and always motivated for every test."

The week didn't start completely flawlessly for the combination. "At the beginning of the weekend we had some bad luck, but yesterday he jumped very well already. Today he was completely with me in both rounds and really fighting for us."

As the last starter, Vogel was able to analyze the times of his competitors. "I saw that the leading time was very fast, so I knew I had to give everything. Fortunately, it worked out well." However, Vogel doesn't have much time to enjoy his victory. "One more to go," he laughs, referring to the Rolex Grand Slam later this afternoon. "The class we're all here for. United Touch feels good and fresh, so hopefully this is a good omen."

Frenchman Kevin Staut finished second with Kannonqulan, while Hessel Hoekstra with VDL Mindset ES was the best Dutch rider in third place. With that, the nine-year-old stallion once again confirmed his rapid rise at five-star level, shortly after his 1.50m debut. Frank Schuttert with Luckey SR Z and Maikel van der Vleuten with Jesther also remained faultless in the winning round, completing the top five.

Photos: TDM/Digishots