It doesn’t always have to be the Grand Prix to put a huge smile on a top show-jumper’s face. Mexico’s World Championship rider, Eugenio Garza Perez, was able to name three reasons today that made his victory in the Prize of StädteRegion Aachen in memory of Landrat Hermann-Josef Pütz so special.

Because apart from the fact that it is always wonderful to win a 1.50 metre class at a five-star show, Eugenio Garza Perez first of all declared: “Winning here in Aachen – is a dream come true!” What’s more the Mexican show-jumper was elated for his four-legged sports partner, the 16-year-old Zangersheide-bred, Victer Finn DH Z. “Claiming the victory with this horse makes it even more memorable. We have such a long history together. He deserved it.”

This long, joint history began just under nine years ago. “We have done everything together, from Young Rider classes, through to championships. He is simply an incredible horse. He has had a bit of bad luck with injuries. That is why he has never jumped at top level, which in my opinion he deserved to do. I am simply so happy for the horse – to see him winning here happy and healthy, it is fantastic!”

And who came second? Richard Vogel once again. He already picked up the silver rosette with his Hanoverian-bred gelding, Cydello, yesterday in the opening jumping competition, today they added a second one to their collection. The Mexican duo took 27.43 seconds to complete the second phase of the 1.50 metre two phase class. “Flying Vogel” and Cydello took 28.07 seconds, which was plenty of time to relegate Ben Maher (GBR) and Exit Remo into third place (28,71). Richard Vogel’s quota of top three placings at this year’s CHIO Aachen has thus gone up to four out of four.