Steve Guerdat Triumphs in Audi Prize After Lightning-Fast Jump-Off

The Audi Prize at The Dutch Masters saw a thrilling conclusion on Saturday. No fewer than sixteen combinations qualified for the jump-off in this 1.50m class, and as many as ten of them remained faultless once again. Ultimately, it was Steve Guerdat who was faster than the competition with Lancelotta and took the victory.

The Swiss rider rode an extremely tight and well-thought-out jump-off. "It's always nice to win, and especially after a good jump-off," says Guerdat afterwards. "The jump-off is actually the most beautiful part of our sport."

According to Guerdat, Lancelotta is the ideal horse for these decisive rounds. "She is very pleasant to ride in a jump-off. She thinks along with you, can make sharp turns and take one less canter stride. So I don't have to watch what my competitors are doing. I make my plan and try to execute it as well as possible. Today, she reacted even better than I expected."

The atmosphere in the Brabanthallen also made an impression on the Swiss rider. "I love the atmosphere here. The stands are full and everywhere around you are horse lovers. That makes it truly enjoyable to ride here." Guerdat is already looking forward to tomorrow: "The first Rolex Grand Slam of the season and one of the most important days of the year. My horse, Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte, is in good form, so I'm looking forward to it."

For Harrie Smolders, the victory was just out of reach. With Mr. Tac, the Dutchman finished second. Kevin Staut guided Vida Loca Z to third place, staying ahead of his compatriot Simon Delestre with Gatsby du Tillard. Katrin Eckermann, with Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS, was the only female rider in the top five.

Photos: TDM/Digishots