It quickly became clear during the Jumping event that it was a difficult circuit. In Jumping you first have a so-called qualifying round. You have to remain clear throughout the course to advance to the final, called the jump-offs in equestrian sports.
And only five riders managed to complete the course without mistakes. So only five riders in the jump-offs. Including the German Daniel Deusser, who won the event last year and in 2018. But there was also a Belgian among the five lucky ones: Gilles Thomas. Born in Mechelen, but raised in Nieuwrode.
It became a nerve-wracking barrage. Thomas made a mistake, which in theory should cost him the World Cup. But his four competitors also each touched a bar. Thomas was able to set the best time and – after a thrilling denouement – won the World Cup in front of his own audience.
Final decision
And it didn’t stop there. After the Jumping World Cup, another World Cup category was on the menu: driving. Driving is riding with a horse and cart. There are also different disciplines such as dressage. Instead of jumping, you have a driving course. The riders must demonstrate their technique.
Four-in-hand horses were on the program in Mechelen. Simply explained: driving four horses in a carriage. Very impressive. And a piece of history was written there too.
The last Belgian winner in Mechelen in this category was Gert Schrijvers in 2003, 22 years ago. But that changed on Tuesday evening. Dries Degrieck managed to win the 42nd edition of Jumping Mechelen.
The driver from Erpe-Mere had to hold off the Swiss Voutaz and the Dutchman Chardon in the drive-off. The Swiss finished in third place with 20 penalties in a time of 148.21.
Degrieck was also not without errors. Things went wrong after the first obstacle, but afterwards the driver remained clear. He seemed to take inspiration from Gilles Thomas a few hours earlier, who also managed to win despite an error in the final.
Chardon was allowed to close. He seemed to have won the World Cup, until things went wrong in the last corner. His front tension turned to the left instead of to the right. A very costly mistake, because Degrieck was ultimately able to set a better time. Another Belgian success. Three out of three!
Tonight you can admire the special of the last day of Jumping Mechelen. Just sit in front of the TV after RTV TODAY, just after 6 p.m.
