CHIO Aachen - Small misunderstanding between Steve and Nino prevented from renewed success in the second edition of the Rolex Grand Slam.
On Sunday in the Grand Prix of Aachen – after its premiere last year for the second time the venue for the Rolex Grand Slam – Steve was qualified for the second round although got 4 points for a small mistake at the water jump with Nino des Buissonnets, who jumped high and safe and practically flew over the obstacles. The feeling in the second round was unfortunately less well, and after a refusal of Nino before the double combination Steve decided to retire. He finished the GP on 15th place. The disappointment was huge, as he set the highest priority on the World Equestrian Festival and had prepared meticulously his Olympic horse Nino in recent weeks for Aachen. Unfortunately, it turned out differently than expected, and it is in these moments one has to accept such a defeat as well, even when it is hard – but that’s sport!
On Saturday Steve was the only Swiss rider who qualified in the big tour with Nasa for the jump-off, and with only one fault reached the 8th rank. Previously that day he was already classified on the 8th place with its promising 8-year-old Kavalier II in the Final of the Youngsters Cup.
And also with Qui Vive de La Tour, the 10-year-old Selle Français mare that is entrusted to him since the beginning of the year, Steve had completed a good tournament: Victorious in the opening competition, without faults and 6th on Thursday, and again double clear in both rounds of the 'Best of the Champions'-competition ladies against gentlemen Saturday evening – all very favorable signs for the rest of the season.