News
Pals produces Dutch victory
Jan 2, 2016
Dutch rider Johnny Pals, meanwhile, enjoyed the perfect finale to a 16-hour day by claiming an outstanding victory in the 1.50 metre jump-off class, sponsored by Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer.
Pals left his home at Belgium at 4.45am on Friday, UK time, but he wasted little time in making the trip worthwhile, prevailing after a jump-off that saw six combinations make it through from round one, and he once again showcased the quality of 10-year-old bay gelding Fernando.
Their time of 34.72 seconds meant that Britain's Robert Bevis, riding Courtney Z, had to be content with second spot, more than a second clear of seasoned British Nations Cup campaigner Robert Smith, aboard Bavi.
"I left at 5.45am, drove to Amsterdam, then took a flight to Manchester, and then on to Liverpool," Pals said. "It is a super horse. I have had him for just over a year, and I really think he is my best horse ever.
"He is a bit difficult, still, but he can jump anything. He has been going well, and to win here is fantastic. This is my biggest win in England, without doubt."
1 FERNANDO FOR PLEASURE 103FD09 HOLST Johnny PALS NED 0/0/34.72 8.118 €
2 COURTNEY Z CHELLANO Z GER43296 ZANG Robert BEVIS GBR 0/0/35.23 4.920 €
3 BAVI BALOU DU ROUET 103OQ05 OS Robert SMITH GBR 0/0/36.86 3.690 €
4 CASALLO Z CASALL ASK 103IH46 ZANG Piergiorgio BUCCI ITA 0/4 2.460 €
5 H&M ALL IN KASHMIR VAN'T SCHUTTERSHOF 103RU78 SBS Peder FREDRICSON SWE 0/4 1.476 €
Source Liverpool International Horse Show