The final qualifier for the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final was won by Ireland’s Denis Lynch, thus earning him a place in the prestigious final in Leipzig, Germany, next month.
Competing in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, in the last round of the Western European League series, Denis and the 11-year-old gelding Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof produced a determined round to head a formidable 17-horse jump-off.
“It’s my very first World Cup win — I’ve been trying to do this for the past 15 years and I’ve been placed plenty of times but I’ve never come out on top, so it feels really good,” said Denis.
Following Sunday’s competition, the top 18 qualifiers from the Western European League were confirmed and included one British rider (Michael Whitaker) and two Irishmen (Billy Twomey and Denis Lynch):
- Kevin Staut (FRA)
- Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER)
- Rolf Goran Bengtsson (SWE)
- Billy Twomey (IRL)
- Ludger Beerbaum (GER)
- Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP)
- Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)
- Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE)
- Simon Delestre (FRA)
- Philipp Weishaupt (GER)
- Christian Ahlmann (GER)
- Luciana Diniz (POR)
- Denis Lynch (IRL)
- Lars Nieberg (GER)
- Harrie Smolders (NED)
- Pius Schwizer (SUI)
- Marco Kutscher (GER)
- Michael Whitaker (GB)
Two extra riders, Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Edwina Alexander (AUS) have also qualified, while defending champion Marcus Ehning (GER) will also compete.
Don’t miss next week’s Horse & Hound (out 7 April) for the full report.
