KARIM EL ZOGHBY COLLECTS THE LOTTO-HESSEN PRIZE AT THE LONGINES PFINGSTTURNIER WIESBADEN
EGYPT, NEW ZEALAND AND BELGIUM WIN THE FIRST THREE PLACES AT CSI4* LOTTO-HESSEN PRIZE AT THE LONGINES PFINGSTTURNIER WIESBADEN.
At just seven years old, Karim El Zogby decided to become an international showjumping rider. He built his career as a groom across England, America, Italy, and France before settling in the Netherlands. By 23, he was nearly ready to give up, but then he experienced a breakthrough. El Zoghby has since competed in three Olympic Games and five European Championships.
El Zogby and his 15-year-old Zandigo claimed victory by clearing the 1.50-meter course in 65.15 seconds at CSI4* Lotto-Hessen Prize at the Longines PfingstTurnier Wiesbaden on Saturday the 9th of June, 2025
Second place went to 32-year-old Luke Dee, representing New Zealand, with a time of 65.26 seconds. Coming from a racing background—his father was a racehorse trainer—Dee’s passion for speed runs deep. He rode the nine-year-old Gangster WW, with whom he had previously achieved clear rounds at last weekend’s five-star tournament in St. Gallen.
Third place was secured by Andres Vereecke, the 28-year-old son of last year’s Wiesbaden Grand Prix winner. He completed the course on Cuba Libre van Paemel Z, a nine-year-old mare.
The best rider in the showjumping competition was Hessian rider Nicola Pohl, who finished fourth. “It was fantastic!” exclaimed the 29-year-old from Dagobertshausen. “The course was superb, and I was able to maintain a smooth flow. Arlo jumped brilliantly; he loves Wiesbaden. He’s the best horse in the world—an incredible fighter. He may not be the tallest, but in a setting like this, he seems to grow ten centimetres taller. He loves being at the show.”
IRISH ANTHEM AND VICTORY:
In the following Dyckerhoff Family Prize, the Irish anthem rang out for the winner. Shane Breen, riding the 13-year-old Holsteiner mare Arctic Blue, took first place, finishing ahead of Denis Nielsen with Cosmo von Imhoff and Guido Jun Klatte on Guepard de Chalusse. Notably, Breen’s margin of victory was remarkable: he was three and a half seconds faster than his closest competitor. Breen has been passionate about horses since childhood—receiving his first pony at age five, competing in his first show at six, and at 14, representing Ireland at the European Pony Show Jumping Championships, where he earned a silver medal. “That’s when I caught the bug,” he recalls.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TOURNAMENT COURSE IN GERMANY:
During the Longines Pentecost Tournament, Hessian Minister for Family, Senior Citizens, Sports, Health, and Care, Diana Stolz, shared her thoughts on the event.
What does Hesse as a sports location mean to you personally?
“Sport is, of course, a vital part of our community. It’s the largest civic movement. But what makes this venue special is its uniqueness. I believe it’s the most beautiful tournament setting in Germany.”
What do you personally take away from the Whitsun tournament?
“I really appreciate how much is offered for families. As the Minister for Family Affairs, I find it wonderful to see all generations coming together. That sense of community truly captures the fascination of equestrian sports.”
Have you ever sat in the saddle yourself?
“I used to ride horses when I was younger. I don’t anymore, but my daughter is very passionate about equestrian sports.”
--ENDS--
Edited by HT Staff
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