Today the international event ‘De Kraal International’ in Zandhoven kicked off under a blue sky and a bright shining sun. The facility has been turned into a beautiful scenario for the inaugural four star event.

The CSI2* opening class, the Prize Prijs Picobelle Renting (Table A against the clock, 1.30m), was won by Belgium’s Nico Van Der Plaetsen with Ultra Blue J. The combination beat runners-up Dieter Vermeiren (BEL) with the eight-year-old gelding Ilias Van Het Hof Ter Velde with 0.20 seconds in 61.42. The 43-year-old rider from Wijnegem rides the 12-year-old SBS stallion Ultra Blue J (Mister Blue x Kouglof II) on international level since the beginning of 2015. Third place went to another Belgian jumper, Nick Van Hoydonck with the 13-year-old KWPN gelding Who’s Next (Manhattan x Eusebio).

Full results