London, U.K – December 22, 2019 – With only three days remaining until Christmas, show jumping exhibitors and spectators gathered one last time for the 2019 year under the glass roof of Olympia Grand. The iconic center located in the center of London played a magnificent host to the Christmas inspired horse show and as the competition came to a close, it was clear that the packed crowd was not ready for it to end. Marking the final performance of the show, The Turkish Airlines Olympia Grand Prix is one of the most exciting and beloved classes of the week-long event. In the end, it was Great Britain’s Scott Brash and Hello Vincent that went out with a bang and rode away with the win.
Thirty horse-and-rider combinations came forward to try their hand at the Alan Wade (IRL) and Bob Ellis (GBR) designed track. The 13 obstacle course was one of the largest set at Olympia, measuring 1.60m in height with wide-set oxers and tall verticals that only the horses with incredible scope could conquer.
A total of seven athletes would move on to the jump-off. Riders and horses laid it all on the line in efforts to complete the shortened eight fence course as fast as possible without any faults. Markus Brinkmann (GER) and Pikeur Callas were the first contenders to take on the track, immediately putting the pressure on for remaining riders with a clear trip in 39.92 seconds. Six of the seven combinations would go on to ride clear rounds. As the last pair to enter the arena, Brash saved the best for last, galloping straight to the winner’s circle aboard Hello Vincent with a time of 34.23 seconds.
Last year, Brash placed fifth in the Grand Prix with Hello Jefferson, making the win on his home turf even more special with Hello Vincent, a 10-year Zangersheide stallion owned by Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline. The Olympic gold medalist is currently ranked 16th in the world and has his sights set on the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Hot on the heels of Brash was Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander riding Identity Vitseroel. The 11-year-old mare owned by Tops-Alexander sped through the timers in 35.05 seconds, placing a close second to Brash.
Finishing out a particularly stellar week, Great Britain’s Holly Smith placed third in the Grand Prix with her and T J Hall Limited’s Hearts Destiny. Smith and the 10-year-old gelding stopped the clock at 35.49 seconds to earn yet another top placing for Smith at the 2019 Olympia Horse Show.
Competition at the 112th edition of Olympia, The London International Horse Show CSI5*, has now concluded.
RESULTS
The Turkish Airlines Olympia Grand Prix CSI5*-W
Place / Horse / Rider / Country / R1 Faults / R2 Faults | R2 Time
1. Hello Vincent / Scott Brash / GBR / 0 / 0 | 34.23
2. Identity Vitseroel / Edwina Tops-Alexander / AUS / 0 / 0 | 35.05
3. Hearts Destiny / Holly Smith / GBR / 0 / 0 | 35.49
4. Imagine de Muze / James Wilson / GBR / 0 / 0 |37.15
5. RMF Cadeau de Muze / William Whitaker / GBR / 0 / 0 | 39.20
6. Pikeur Callas / Markus Brinkmann / GER / 0 / 0 | 39.92
7. Tolede de Mescam / Kevin Staut / FRA / 0 / 4 | 36.33
8. Confu / Laura Kraut / USA / 1
9. Calanda / Marcus Ehning / GER / 4
10. Classic Dream / Darragh Kenny / IRL / 4