Thrilling Puissance Final
Friday 01 January 2016
Dutch rider Johnny Pals enjoyed the perfect finale to a 16-hour day by claiming an outstanding victory at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show.
Pals left his home at Belgium at 4.45am on Friday, UK time, but he wasted little time in making the trip worthwhile as he landed the 1.50 metre jump-off class, sponsored by Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer.
Pals prevailed 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. "I never party, but it was a family function I went to and it was New Year's Eve.
"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.
"I will see how he feels tomorrow, but the plan is to jump him on Saturday and Sunday. He is a horse of unbelievable quality."
Pals collected a £6,000 first prize, while the top six places behind Smith were completed by Italy's Piergiorgio Bucci, Swedish challenger Peder Fredricson and Britain's Julie Andrews.
