The 7,500 crowd in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle were ecstatic after seeing the double European champion in Donaueschingen in 2003 record the fastest time in the seven-rider jump-off on the 12-year old Baden Württemberg bred stallion Colorit. “The turns today came off a treat,” said the victor when reviewing on his performance. The grand “old” man of show jumping John Whitaker (Great Britain), a MERCEDES GERMAN MASTER on four occasions (1988, 1989, 1992, 2001), finished over one-and-a-half seconds slower in second on the ten-year old Holstein mare Ornellaia (0/34.57). “John is simply an exceptional rider,” said Ahlmann when praising the 60-year old. Third was German Alexander Hinz in the saddle on the Oldenburg stallion Campitello (0/38.39). Manfred Hommel, CEO of the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Stuttgart, was extremely pleased, “with the sensational ride and the fabulous atmosphere.” Short and to the point, he summed up, “German winner, German product, German brand.”
On the third day of the equestrian highlight in the state capital of Baden Württemberg, 2,800 horse lovers watched the morning and afternoon session’s two dressage classes for the Piaff-Förderpreis and for the Prize of the Firma Abelein Event Service as well as the jumping competition for the Prize of the Firma Raumpflege AG.
