News

Perfect start for Brazil

Jul 4, 2012

What a start for the Brazilian riders at this year’s CHIO in Aachen. Rio de Janeiro is the partner of the World Equestrian Festival. And the South Americans are scooping up the prizes. In the morning Rodrigo Pessoa finished second in the NetAachen Prize and in the afternoon his fellow-countryman Alvaro Miranda rode to victory in the STAWAG Prize.

The 35-year-old mastered the course of 1,50 m high obstacles in the fastest time with the Belgian gelding, AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno. The Brazilian rider took 68.50 seconds to reach the finish line of the 540 metre long course designed by Frank Rothenberger – he was too fast even for Hans-Dieter Dreher. Amid bright sunshine the rider from Baden claimed second place with Embassy II (69.32 seconds), which made up for him coming 84th in the morning after having to ride first in the NetAachen Prize. Third place went to the Dutch rider Harrie Smolders with Regina Z.

Luiz Roberto Giugni was especially pleased with the results. The President of the Brazilian Equestrian Association followed the action in the Main Stadium from Stand A and was present – like many of his colleagues – because the CHIO Aachen is serving as trials for the Olympic Games. Pessoa’s place on the team for London is considered to be confirmed. With his triumph in the STAWAG Prize, “Doda“, as the Brazilians call Miranda, has now secured his position in the team. “It is fantastic that we have got off to such a good start here,” said the overjoyed 52-year-old Association President, who will be flying back home to Sao Paulo after tomorrow’s competition to pursue his regular job as a dentist.

Miranda, who took a bad fall at the CHIO two years ago, got caught up in the stirrup and was dragged along, but luckily only sprained his ankle in the end, has quite obviously got over his shocking experience in Aachen. “I watched a few riders before it was my turn and I realised I’d have to be pretty quick. I am delighted that it sufficed,” he analysed. Incidentally, Miranda has only been riding AD Rahmannhof’s Bogeno since last October. The 12-year-old Baloubet du Rouet son was previously ridden by the Bavarian show-jumper, Jürgen Kraus.

Source chioaachen.de