By Jo de Roo
Photography: FEI-paardenfotograaf.be
In her preface, published in the programme of the FEI-WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses, the president of the organizing committee, Judy Ann Melchior wrote: ‘The WCs have effect, they are stepping stones to the big sport. Those who do well at the WCs have a bright, promising future in the sport. The WCs are a powerful tool that are considered a parameter for sport and breeding...
‘Once a year in September, Zangersheide is the capital of the equine world, the hub where all parties meet and where, for example during the Z Quality Auction, all is invested in the future.’ On Sunday, September 22, we enjoyed marvellous finals during the Silver Jubilee of this world championship for young horses. Irish riders and horses especially did a good job, taking home two gold and two silver medals.
Rockwell RC – 5yo champion
In total, 46 horses qualified to participate in the world championship final for five-year-old showjumpers, with 11 jumping faultlessly in the opening round, including two descendants of Kannan (Voltaire). Other finalists were sired by Emerald van’t Ruytershof (Diamant de Semilly), Elvis ter Putte (Diamant de Semilly), Action-Breaker (Heartbreaker), Volodia d’Argouges (Quartz du Chanu), Dakar VDL (Cardento), Colbert Gti (Cantus), Chaccato (Chacco-Blue), Caretino Gold (Caretino) and Super Trooper de Ness (Vigo d’Arsouilles).
Top spot on the podium was, however, claimed by the ISH-bred Rockwell RC, a daughter of Kannan out of Urban Sea (Guidam - Miss Libero x Sir Libero). Miss Libero produced several sports horses, including the eventer Cooley Hidden Cyclone and showjumpers Zarkava (three-star, 1m45, Steve Schaefer) and Sir Douglas (two-star, Viktoria Schmidt, Bernd Herbert and Doris Adelmann). Miss Libero’s dam, Cendry Nouvolieu, produced the performers Rolestown (seventh in the five-star Dublin Land Rover Puissance in 2016, David Power) and Mullaghdrin Rado, who jumped at international five-star level, including World Cup classes, in partnership with American Alex Granato. Rockwell RC was bred by Ronan Byrne, is owned by Sean Cubitt, and was ridden by the Irishman Jason Foley. Earlier this year, Foley and Rockwell RC were runners-up in Dublin Horse Show’s five-year-old championship.
5yo champion ridden by Jason Foley
During the press conference, 18-year-old Foley said; “Absolutely amazing. The mare jumped very well. I would like to thank the breeder and owner very much.” It had been noticed that Foley was having steering difficulties during the jump-off, but not without good reason; “Three weeks ago I had a fall and dislocated my shoulder. I didn’t think that I could be here, so I hope the hospital doesn’t see this, but I thought, let’s try it, and I was lucky that it’s all okay now.”
Michael Pender, a 19-year-old compatriot of Jason Foley, finished second, riding Chacco Bay (Chaccato), bred by Alfons Brueggehagen and owned by Hiltrup Sporthorses GmbH. No stranger to Lanaken, this is the fourth world championship medal that Pender has won. “It’s my first show with this horse. I am absolutely delighted,” he said...To read the complete article you need to be a subscriber
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