Siebe Leemans winner of the NetJets Prize after exciting jump-off
Dutch rider Siebe Leemans has won the NetJets Prize, a 1.35m competition with jump-off. With Maestro Gusto v/d Laarse Heide he set a time of 36.52 seconds. Stijn Jonkers and Libertho H came acroos the finish line in 37.52 seconds. Third place went to Ireland with Nano Healy and Lavantus-C setting a time of 38.18 seconden.
Twelve combinations qualified for the jump-off, and six of them remained in the clear for a second time. The combinations fought for every second, but Leemans came out on top. Leemans: "My horse jumped really well, he is naturally very fast. In the jump-off, I had a spot in the middle of the line up, so I could catch the first two riders on the screen before my turn. I could see some points where I could take a stride less, and that worked."
Leemans is 19 years old and a member of the Dutch Young Riders. "Right now, I'm working half days for my father, and half days for Jos Lansink. I have a few horses that have already competed at the 1.50m and 1.55m levels, and they can help me gain experience for the future."
"I've had a fantastic couple of days here in Rotterdam. My horses have been in top form for some time, and I'm doing pretty well also, if I can say so myself. I'm in a good flow and came here with confidence. It's very nice that it all comes together here."
He has nothing but praise for the event: "Rotterdam is a very nice, very well organised even with big crowds, providing a great atmosphere. I hope I can put this event down in my calendar for years to come, the ultimate goal begin to compete in the 5*-competitions one day."