Stuttgart – The 6,400 crowd were ecstatic: the Pius Schwizer became the first ever Swiss to secure the win in the MERCEDES GERMAN MASTER late on Friday evening. In the six rider jump-off, he again left all the fences standing in a time of 35.82 seconds which was almost a second quicker than Irishman Billy Twomey (0/36.71). Third-placed Marco Kutscher (Germany) also completed the jump-off course without incurring any penalties (0/37.65). The 2009 European Champion, Kevin Staut (France) followed in fourth (4/36.69) and then came the American Beezie Madden (4/37.29) and Dutchman Marc Houtzager (4/37.41).
Pius Schwizer, who also won the Grand Prix in Donaueschingen on the nine-year-old gelding Verdi in September, was presented with a Mercedes GLK 350 worth 49,000 Euro for his efforts. “That was a ‘home game’ for me today and I’m lost for words. I’ve looked over to the Mercedes in the past few days and have always seen it covered up, so I decided I’d go out and win it.” Schwizer added modestly, “My horses win, I am only the rider.” He is very pleased to have so many Grand Prix horses available to ride. “Only the best is good enough. That’s true for Verdi and for Mercedes too.”
The MERCEDES GERMAN MASTER is the second most important jumping class at the Stuttgart equestrian highlight. After two tough qualifying competitions on Thursday and Friday only the top twelve riders earn the right to compete.
“We’re proud, thrilled, the crowd was fantastic and then a win by our brand ambassador – you couldn’t wish for any more,” said a delighted Hans-Michael Huber, the CEO of the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Stuttgart. “As a sponsor you couldn’t wish for any more.”
