Ingrid Klimke has won the second leg of the 2018 Event Rider Masters at Wiesbaden, with world number one Oliver Townend in second place.
Early lead
Ingrid came into the competition as the EquiRatings favourite to win – and she didn’t disappoint. The German rider was second last to go in the dressage with her European gold medal partner SAP Hale Bob OLD and they were awarded an incredible 22.2 to take an early lead.
Ingrid kept her cool in the showjumping to jump clear and maintain her position at the top of the leader board. She was the final rider to head out on the twisting cross-country course, and rode a fast clear to claim the Wiesbaden ERM title on an impressive score of 23.8.
‘Wonderful job’
“Bobby did such a wonderful job,” said Ingrid. “It was the best feeling to ride through the Schloss Park with so many people cheering us on.”
Oliver Townend was just behind Ingrid on 25.2. The recent Land Rover Kentucky CCI4* Champion produced a stunning test with Cillnabradden Evo, to score a CIC3* personal best of 22.8. The pair added nothing to their dressage score in the showjumping phase, and held onto second place after going clear on the cross-country.
“I am thrilled with the horse,” said Oliver, who won the ERM series in 2016. “To get so close to Hale Bob is very special and I couldn’t be happier with how he has performed.”
‘Very proud’
In third place was German Olympic silver medallist Julia Krajewski, who rose from fifth after the dressage, adding just 0.8 cross-country time faults to their dressage score of 28.3.
“I was maybe a bit conservative at the start, but by the end I could let him run and jump,” said Julia. “He really loves his job and I love riding him. I am very proud to share the podium with two legends.”
The third leg of the Event Rider Masters now heads to new venue Arville in Belgium (23-24 June).
Love eventing? Then don’t miss ERM 2018: Wiesbaden when it premieres on Monday 28 May at 8pm on Horse & Country TV and Amazon Video.
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