HASSMANN COMPLETES A HAT-TRICK AT THE EQUESTRIAN.COM LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
Monday 02 January 2017
Germany's Felix Hassmann enjoyed a career highlight at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show on Monday.
Felix went into the 1.45m speed class, sponsored by the Pullman Hotel, having already claimed two impressive victories at the Echo Arena.
And once again he delivered the goods, clocking a time that was too quick for the field on 11-year-old grey gelding Sl Brazonado and completing a treble in one show for the first time at this level.
"It has been an unbelievable show for me, absolutely fantastic," he said. "I have never won three ranking classes at one show before.
"My horse is super for these 1.45m classes with speed. He is so careful. He wants to go forward, and all I have to say is 'not too fast!' He has a very good mind."
Felix held off a powerful British challenge, led by runner-up William Funnell and Guy Williams, to land the £7,000 top prize.
William, riding Billy Angelo, was an early leader in 52.80 seconds, and while Guy went close with Titus before having to settle for third, it was Liverpool's German master who eclipsed them all in 51.35 seconds.
"It has been such a great few days," he added. "This horse is super for the 1.45m classes. I don't want to do too big classes with him at this stage of his career, I want to give him time.
"I tried everything today, and it worked. It is such a superb arena here - the supporters are fantastic."
Felix will return to Germany on Tuesday, but after a one-day break at home, he will be quickly back in action at a two-star show on home soil and looking to continue a rich vein of form.
"I will have a one-day break at home, and then I will go to a two-star show in Germany. Mostly every week, I have a show to attend," he said.
"It is a very strong area where I am - Ludger Beerbaum, Christian Ahlmann and Marcus Ehning are all within 60 kilometres of me - and having done some five-star Nations Cups in the past, I hope this year I can ride again at that level."
kjk7q3j4yode.jpg "British riders feature strongly in the Pony Grand Prix of Compiegne")
