Three riders progressed to the third round of Aachen’s Rolex grand prix, and as the live Grand Slam contender, having won in Geneva in December, the stakes were high for Germany’s Richard Vogel and the 14-year-old Untouched stallion.
But, after watching his partner Sophie Hinners (Iron Dames Singclair) post a triple clear in 51.62sec, and brushing off the pressure as “a privilege”, he and United Touch opened up with breathtaking ease in the vast arena.
This mesmeric duo were significantly up on the clock by the third fence and could afford the luxury of a steadying approach to the final Rolex vertical on Frank Rothenberger’s demanding course, yet still stopped the timer more than six seconds faster.
The 57-year-old Argentine contender José María Larocca gave his all from last draw riding 16-year-old Finn Lente but could never match his German rival’s pace, coming home clear in 47.36sec.
“A childhood dream”
So the staggering €450,000 (£390,000) top prize, plus the €500,000 bonus for winning two successive legs of the Rolex Grand Slam, belonged to one of the sport’s greatest ever partnerships. Not only did Richard and United Touch S join Aachen’s pantheon of greats, they extended their outstanding record of having won every five-star jump-off they’ve jumped clear in.
“Winning Aachen is a childhood dream, but to do so with such a special horse, and to have his owner and breeder Julius-Peter Sinnack and my whole team here… I’m thrilled,” said Richard, who has contested three five-star shows this year with United Touch S and won a grand prix at each – the Basel World Cup, leg one of the Grand Slam at the Dutch Masters and now Aachen.
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The world number three ranked rider revealed a moment of confusion before setting off on his jump-off round, unsure whether a Rolex oxer still standing from a previous round was actually part of the jump-off course and had to ask an official for clarification.
“After that, I got in the zone and tried to lay down a good jump-off round,” he said. “I knew I had to put everything on the line.”
Great Britain’s Ben Maher soared up the leaderboard from 16th after round one to finish fourth with Enjeu Du Grisien.
Sadly the much-anticipated jump-off showdown between United Touch S and Kent Farrington’s star mare Greya failed to materialise after the latter picked up four faults in round two.
As German riders filled three of the top six placings in Sunday’s grand prix, you’d put good money on the home side landing a medal in August.
Daniel Coyle, 18th in Sunday’s grand prix with Gisborne VDL, won Friday’s grand prix qualifier with 16-year-old Farrel.
“The best riders in the world are here and I was fortunate to come out on top,” said Daniel. “Farrel is like a best friend. When I need help, he is always there.”
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
