15 Feb Greve Claims First Grand Prix Victory at VR CLASSICS Neumünster
(Neumünster) Willem Greve had already been tipped as one of the hottest contenders for a major win heading into the weekend — and in the Grand Prix of the Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken, the Dutch rider fully lived up to expectations. Riding Candy Luck Z, Greve produced the fastest round in the second round to secure the prestigious victory ahead of Switzerland’s Christoph Könemann and Colombia’s Marco A. Peixoto Ferreira Filho.
A total of 40 horse-and-rider combinations lined up for the international ranking class over 1.55 metres, held as a CSI3* competition across two rounds. Ten pairs advanced to the decisive second round, among them two-time Neumünster Grand Prix winner Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) with the Holsteiner gelding Caillan, and Greve with his Comme il Faut daughter Candy Luck Z.
A conscious decision for Neumünster
Greve’s starting position in round two briefly caused some last-minute tension: “I thought we would start in reverse order from the first round, so I was very relaxed, just walking around. Suddenly I realised I was the third rider to go — so I had to hurry a bit. But I rode my round as planned, and luckily it was enough.”
There was one moment of tension where a pole rattled, but stayed in place and the clock stopped at a strong 34.07 seconds. A time that initially looked beatable, but ultimately proved untouchable.
It marked Greve’s first Grand Prix victory in Neumünster, having previously finished runner-up. He also had some less happy memories from the show: “I’ve actually been carried out of this arena once before — with first aid and emergency services — so it’s even nicer to win here now,” he added with a smile.
While many of his colleagues competed at major outdoor tours in Abu Dhabi or Wellington, Greve deliberately opted for the indoor circuit and Neumünster: “It is a great show to give horses experience. There are more classes here than at some two-star shows in Belgium. And besides — I simply enjoy coming here.”
Candy Luck Z is owned by Alessandra Volpi (USA), who is currently sidelined through injury. Greve is keeping the talented mare in competition until she returns to her rider in the coming months.
Könemann impresses on Holstenhallen debut
Second place went to Switzerland’s Christoph Könemann aboard Coredo (by Carridam), who made an immediate impact in his Neumünster debut. “I got a bit stuck in the second-last turn and had to take more time there — I definitely lost seconds,” he analysed afterwards. “But riding in front of this crowd was fantastic. My horse really feeds off that atmosphere — when the spectators get behind him, he fights even harder.” Könemann has partnered the gelding, owned by Tina Pol, for five years.
Career highlight for Ferreira Filho
Colombia’s Marco A. Peixoto Ferreira Filho completed the podium with Everest V’T Hof V Eversem Z — marking the biggest success of his young career to date.“Yesterday was my first 1.55m class ever. Today was my second — and my first three-star Grand Prix at this level. I’m just incredibly happy with the result.”
He reserved special praise for his experienced partner: “He knows exactly what he’s doing. When I bought him, I had to learn to understand him instead of trying to make him fit my riding. Once I realised that, everything clicked. Last week I felt we were ready — I just tried to stay calm and not mess it up. And it worked.”
Strong performances from Schleswig-Holstein riders
There was also plenty of reason for regional celebration. Local rider Romy Rosalie Tietje produced a double clear with Cascadino (by Cartani) to finish fourth in 38.01 seconds. Fellow Holsteiner Linn Hamann delivered another double clear aboard Dumbo (by Diamant de Semilly) to claim fifth place.
Denmark’s Lars Bak Andersen finished sixth with Leviathan HS, while Jody van Gerwen (NED) placed seventh after one rail down with Panamera STH. Further Schleswig-Holstein riders in the Top 10 included Mathies Rüder and Johanna Beckmann in eighth and ninth place respectively.
For Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, a third Neumünster Grand Prix title was not to be — two unlucky poles with Caillan prevented a top placing.
Anniversary edition draws huge crowds
Around 46,000 spectators attended the four competition days of the 75th anniversary edition of VR CLASSICS Neumünster. The celebrations had already begun on Wednesday evening, when the Jubilee Show attracted more than 2,000 enthusiastic visitors to the Holstenhallen. The next edition of VR CLASSICS will take place from 18–21 February 2027.
Ulf Paetau, Managing Director of the Press and Information Service of the Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken, summed up the event: “It was a fantastic anniversary show. We’ve been partners of VR CLASSICS for many years and look forward to the future — and to continuing this special atmosphere in the years ahead.”
Theurer Trucks 2GO Youngster Cup
Overall victory in the Theurer Trucks 2GO Youngster Cup went to Josch Löhden with the Hanoverian mare FRH Cheers to Life LA (by Checkter), bred by Lotta Helmiina Aalto. A win in Friday’s first qualifier laid the foundation for the title, with further placings securing the overall standings.
The final, the Prize of Wolfgang Zipperle, was won by Tobias Schwarz with the Hanoverian mare Euphoria (by Eldorado van de Zeshoek) ahead of Tim Rieskamp-Goedeking on Daiquiri (by Dominator). Third place went to Denmark’s Søren Pedersen with Tailormade Choupette (by Chacoon Blue).
Caption: Willem Greve and Candy Luck Z (c) Stefan Lafrentz