Abu Dhabi: Dutchman Henk van de Pol on board Looyman Z won the international jumping competition at the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show on Thursday.
It was the first time that van de Pol was ridding Looyman Z in a competition and he did not disappoint. The eight-year-old bay gelding was the fastest after two rounds with 21.45 seconds.
“My horse likes to go fast, so in the second phase I thought better try a bit. It was fast so I didn’t need to do so much,” said a visibly pleased-looking van de Pol, adding: “I had never ridden him before. Actually, he is my brother’s horse and it is based in Holland. My brother was ridding it till now. I’m very pleased with his showing straight away.” Despite the success, van de Pol will not be fielding Looyman Z in Saturday’s Grand Prix event.
“This horse is just starting off here but I can build him up for the coming weeks. Maybe at the end of the trip he can do bigger class but not the big Grand Prix now,” said van de Pol.
The second place was bagged by Denmark’s Tina Lund on Payse Heutiere, clearing with a time of 21.82 seconds while Briton’s Georgia Tame on Z7 Qamar claimed third with 21.99 seconds.
