Lightning-fast de Luca wins Van Schijndel Bouwgroep Indoor Derby

It has long been one of the most spectacular classes at The Dutch Masters, the Van Schijndel Bouwgroep Indoor Derby. Sold-out grandstands and crowds lining the corridor make for a fantastic atmosphere in the Brabanthallen. Italian Lorenzo de Luca managed to win the Indoor Derby tonight with a lightning-fast time and clear round.

His mare Dirka de Blondel showed in high speed to complete the course with great ease. Last night, this combination already showed they are in good shape, winning the 1.45m against the clock. Lorenzo de Luca indicated then that he had high hopes of victory. Dirka de Blondel did not disappoint at all. The top Italian rider won the derby for the first time in his career. With a big jump over the very last obstacle, they stopped the time at 77.79 seconds.

His compatriot Emanuele Gaudiano made a serious effort as the last starter. This Italian rider managed to win the Derby of Den Bosch several times before, but could not match de Luca's time. His Zirocco Blue VDL gelding Jaja finished in 78.95. Belgium's Gudrun Patteet recorded a jumping fault en route with Sea Coast Monalisa van 't Paradijs (by Bamako de Muze) but still proved faster than crowd favourite Piet Raijmakers Jr. He finished fourth with Van Schijndel's Olaya Z.