Sterrehof’s Calimero shows top form in Madrid

Sterrehof’s Calimero was on a roll during the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid. Together with Marc he already showed in Shanghai his strength during his first performance at this prestigious competition and in the Spanish capital he was able to raise up his level.
But at first it was Sterrehof’s Edinus‘ turn to produce an impressive performance during Friday’s opening class, where he finished 13^th in a field of 72 starters. His companion Calimero had one rail down but looked ready for what was to come at this 5* show.

Three top 10 finishes

One day later he proved this. First Marc rode Calimero to a convincing clear and eighth spot in the second round of the Global Champions League team competition. It was more than sufficient for qualification for the 1.60m Grand Prix and it delivered Marc’s team Madrid in Motion a honourable result at their ‘home event’. Riding in the team colors (picture below) Marc clinched a nice sixth place together with Eric and Maikel van der Vleuten, so as a fully Dutch team.

The icing on the cake followed in the technically difficult Grand Prix. Calimero nowhere came close to the rails and finished on a neat seventh place after two clear rounds, including a sensibly ridden jump-off by Marc. It meant that our top athlete was able to achieve three clears and three top 10 finishes at the most important day of this show.

Pictures: Stefano Grasso/LGCT/GCL