Today was Marathon day for the four-in-hand drivers in the Prize of schwartz Group. The fastest team of horses came from Germany. There is a new overnight leader in the individual classification, in the team competition, the Dutch drivers are heading for their 15th victory in succession. But Germany is close at their heels!

Michael Brauchle and his team of horses were the fastest in the Marathon of the Prize of schwartz Group for the fifth time. With a score of 105.45 minus points, he was able to assert himself against the Australian driver, Boyd Exell, who collected 106.46 points. Third place went to the Dutch driver, Koos de Ronde on a score of 111.32 minus points.

Brauchle said: “The Marathon was difficult, but the horses did a fantastic job!” The praise was addressed at his quartet comprising of Carola, Djamilo, Don and Quidditch S. The European Champion of 2015 added that Aachen is “always something special” for the horses, alone due to the many spectators and the loudspeakers and that the ground became rather soft. “But the obstacles were all well driveable with good lines.” The praise went to the new course designer, Alexander Flocke.

In the individual classification, the Prize of Family Richard Talbot, the cross-country specialist worked his way up to third place today after lying eighth in the dressage. His overnight score is 157.45 points. Boyd Exell is in the lead with a score of 145.38 points, followed by the Dutch driver, Ijsbrand Chardon, (154.63 points). Chester Weber from the USA, who ranked first after the dressage, was eliminated because he left an obstacle out.

The Dutch team heads the field in the overall classification of the Boehringer Ingelheim Nations’ Cup with a joint score of 314.330 minus points. Germany managed to move up to second place (320.260 minus points). The Australian dropped down one place into third (329.420).