IFEMA Madrid Horse Week: A day full of excitement and competition

USPA NEWS - Madrid, December 1, 2024 – Today's events at IFEMA Madrid Horse Week were filled with excitement and high-level competition, offering unforgettable moments for equestrian fans and once again solidifying this event as one of the most important in the global equestrian calendar.

Epic Victory for Hans Dieter Dreher in the 1.50m Estrella Damm Trophy

The undisputed protagonist of the day was the German rider Hans Dieter Dreher, who claimed victory in the prestigious 1.50m Estrella Damm Trophy. Riding his faithful Vestmalle des Cotis, Dreher achieved a spectacular time of 43.95 seconds in the jump-off. His impeccable performance, full of technique and precision, left his rivals with no chance, who watched in admiration at the German's mastery.

The audience at IFEMA vibrated with every jump and turn. The anticipation was palpable from the very beginning, and Dreher did not disappoint. The final ovation was a just recognition of his effort and talent, as he lifted the trophy handed over by Iván Álvarez Ortega, Area Manager Trade Marketing of Estrella Damm.

The Spanish rider Teresa Blázquez Abascal delivered one of the most thrilling performances of the day. Riding Nasa de Toxandria, Blázquez Abascal almost snatched victory from Dreher, recording a blazing time of 44.08 seconds. The skill and speed demonstrated by the Spanish rider were celebrated by the attendees, who valued her great effort and determination. Her second place was well deserved and evidenced her high quality as a rider.

The Dutch Maikel van der Vleuten, riding El Wikke, also had an outstanding performance. His round was impressive, with precise maneuvers and a steady rhythm that kept the excitement until the last second. However, it was not enough to surpass Dreher, and he finished in third place with a time of 45.75 seconds. Van der Vleuten once again showed why he is considered one of the best riders in the world.

Of the 45 participants in the event, only 12 managed to advance to the winning round, where the competition was fierce. Among them, six managed to complete the course without faults. Besides the top three, the notable performers included the Dutch Leopold van Asten with VDL Groep Kiara, the German Marcus Ehning with Flower Girl, and the Italian Clara Pezzoli with Fantasia de Beaufour. Their performances were equally worthy of applause, showcasing the high competitive level of the event.

Michael Pender claims Victory in the CSI 5 Virtus Trophy 1.45m*

In the CSI 5* Virtus Trophy 1.45m, the Irish rider Michael Pender achieved an impressive victory. Riding HHS Vancouver, Pender completed a blistering round with a time of 61.95 seconds, securing a place on the podium and demonstrating his skill and speed. His flawless performance was enthusiastically received by the audience.

The Austrian Alessandra Reich, riding Galadermie PP Z, also delivered a spectacular performance, finishing in 62.74 seconds and securing the second position. The Austrian rider showed great skill and determination, maintaining a steady and precise rhythm throughout the course.

The French Philipp Rozier, with his mare Dirty Sweer, completed the podium in third place with a time of 62.90 seconds. His round, equally fast and precise, left him just a tenth of a second behind the Austrian rider. Rozier demonstrated a great connection with his mare, earning applause and ovations from the crowd.

The Virtus Trophy was handed over to Pender by Javier Rozas, general director of Bodegas Virtus, who congratulated the Irish rider on his outstanding performance and victory.

Kevin González de Zárate Conquers His Fourth Porsche Jump&Drive Trophy at IMHW

The second day of IFEMA Madrid Horse Week culminated with the thrilling Porsche Jump&Drive Trophy, broadcast live by DAZN, adding even more intensity to the competition. Five Spanish riders contested for the victory in this adrenaline-filled and fast-paced event.

Amaia Ucelay opened the competition, marking a time of 65.10 seconds with Diamand du Breche. Her performance was solid but quickly surpassed by Fernando de los Santos, the previous edition's winner, who recorded a time of 61.13 seconds riding Isba Caps.

Alejandro Entrecanales, with Baby Boy du Murger, set the best time up to that point with 60.96 seconds, showing great skill and speed. However, Felipe Pérez surprised the audience with a daring and bold round, marking an impressive time of 59.95 seconds with Happyfeet v’t Hof Terrijckel Z.

Finally, Kevin González de Zárate was crowned champion with his fourth Porsche Jump&Drive Trophy at IFEMA Madrid Horse Week. With a spectacular performance alongside his mare Catuccini 17 and a rapid round in a Porsche, he clocked an unbeatable time of 54.97 seconds. The audience's ovation was a just recognition of his outstanding victory.

The award was handed over by Tomás Villén, general director of Porsche Ibérica, who congratulated González de Zárate on his remarkable performance and victory in this thrilling competition.

Finally, Kevin González de Zárate was crowned champion with his fourth Porsche Jump&Drive Trophy at IFEMA Madrid Horse Week. With a spectacular performance alongside his mare Catuccini 17 and a rapid round in a Porsche, he clocked an unbeatable time of 54.97 seconds. The audience's ovation was a just recognition of his outstanding victory.

The award was handed over by Tomás Villén, general director of Porsche Ibérica, who congratulated González de Zárate on his remarkable performance and victory in this thrilling competition.

On the same day, Jaume Puntí Dachs and María Álvarez del Pontón were honored with the Madrid Horse Week 2024 award. This recognition, granted by the MHW Foundation Board and its Organizing Committee, highlights the contributions of these athletes to endurance riding, a demanding discipline in which Spain has established itself as a world power, thanks to their effort and dedication.