The Dutch Masters is officially underway and opened with the KNHS Prize, with 55 combinations starting in the 1.40m course built by Louis Konickx. It was German rider Richard Vogel who beat everyone in this class against the clock. With his horse Cubi Cubells, he left all the bars up and recorded the fastest time.

This is a great start to The Dutch Masters for Richard Vogel, who was the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam here in Den Bosch last year. ‘We are always happy to come back to Den Bosch, it gives a warm feeling and feels a bit like home for me. It is one of the best competitions in the world, this is really where the best riders come, so I hope for a good continuation of the weekend,’ smiled the German rider.

First competition with this horse
Today was the very first time for Richard Vogel to ride his horse Cubi Cubells in an international competition and it immediately worked out well. He speaks enthusiastically about this 10-year-old mare and especially about her character. ‘She is a very competitive horse, has a lot of blood and she is very smart, we already love her.’ Richard Vogel has three horses with him and has his eyes set on the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday, which he plans to ride with the awesomely talented United Touch S.

Brabant top three
The top three was completed by two riders from Brabant. With a time of 55.03 seconds, Piet Raijmakers Jr. rode his horse For Freedom EKT to second place. Third place was for young rider Tom Schellekens, riding Interessant van de Zietfort. 

Photos: TDM/Digishots