Rotterdam CDI 4*: Marieke van der Putten confirms on the freestyle

After a Grand Prix Special in the mid-afternoon won by Becky Moody & Jagerbomb at 77.575%, ahead of Dinja van Liere & Mauro Turfhorst at 74.064% and Larissa Pauluis & Flambeau at 73.830%, the Rotterdam CDI 4* ended last night with the freestyle, once again dominated by Marieke van der Putten and her Zantana RS2 Old NOP; a final round which also went well for Corentin Pottier & Gotilas du Feuillard.

So it was Marieke van der Putten and Zantana who logically won the freestyle at the Rotterdam 4* in front of their home crowd. A little distracted at the start where she opened up her frame, the tall Oldenburg mare nevertheless remained well connected to her rider and made no major faults. A little resistant in her canter half passes, she also displayed canter pirouettes that could have been a bit tighter. Awarded 84.580%, the Dutch number ones also achieved a new personal best.

After their 73.413%, the best French score recorded this season in the Grand Prix, Corentin Pottier and Gotilas du Feuillard took second place in the freestyle. Clearly impressed before entering the arena, the 15-year-old gelding required his rider's full attention. Although Gotilas regained his focus and received proper aids from his rider, he still made a mistake in his first tempies line, seemingly slightly anticipating, before offering a second round with a joint change. The Pamfou Dressage pair nevertheless left Rotterdam with a score of 76.635%. Next came Rowena Weggelaar & Don Quichot with 75.475%, Thamar Zweistra & Hexagons Mr Magnum N.O.P.T. with 75.410%, and Wim Verwimp & Jedai de Massa with 74.650%.

picture : DR/chio Rotterdam