Hans-Dieter Dreher delighted winner of the Grand Prix (Photo: Bechert)
For the first time in the history of the International STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS Horse Show, a Baden Württemberg rider has won the final class of the equestrian highlight in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle. Quickest of the nine riders in the jump-off on Sunday, Hans-Dieter Dreher secured the Grand Prix of Stuttgart – presented by MERCEDES-BENZ, WALTER solar and BW-BANK in front of 6,200 thrilled spectators with a rip-roaring ride. The 41-year-old crowd favourite won not only the qualifying class for the Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping 2013/2014 but also a Mercedes-Benz ML 250 Off-Roader worth 74,000 euro. He additionally received 20 points for the World Cup Western European League rankings where he now, after four of the ten stops, is sixth with 26 points.
Saddled on the 12-year old Hanoverian stallion Embassy, Hans-Dieter Dreher jumped clear in a time of 36.27 and his delight at the win was written all over his face: “I’m amazingly happy to have won here in Stuttgart, in my home state.” The highly popular rider had difficulty putting his feelings into words: “I can’t say how happy I am. What can I say? I’ve won.”
Over a second down behind him in second was Olympic champion Steve Guerdat on Nino des Buissonnets, a 12-year old gelding (0/37.37). His performance earned the Swiss 33,000 euro and 17 points so that he now leads the Western European League with a total of 51 points. “Hansi is not only a good rider, he’s also a good guy,” said Steve Guerdat when praising the victor. As for his own display he said, “After three second places in the first four World Cups, I hope I can go one better next time.”
One place further back in third was Ludger Beerbaum aboard Chaman, a 14-year old stallion. The winner of the Grand Prix of Stuttgart in 2000, 2002 and 2011 earned himself 20,000 euro prize money and 15 points which puts him 14th in the rankings. “Hansi deserved his win. The times in the jump-off show just how good he was today. As for myself, I am very pleased with my ride.” He had special praise for course designer Christa Jung. “It was the best ever Grand Prix course.” It was particularly pleasing compliment for the school teacher from nearby Bad Friedrichshall who “owned up” to changing the course three times and that, “I made the last one yesterday. I was slightly nervous as the time we allocated was a bit tight.”
