Just before dark clouds gathered and a strong wind flattened the entire course, the prize winners of the 1.45m Grand Prix of Outdoor Vragender were honored. Dennis van den Brink took the lead in the victory lap on Saturday afternoon Aug. 24, a position he has taken many times before at Paardensportcentrum Lichtenvoorde, but not before he managed to do so with the self-trained Kallas (Dallas VDL).
Jack Meuleman and his son had laid out a challenging final course for the forty competitors. Seven remained clear and returned in the jump-off for the Morssinkhof Rymoplast Prize, powered by Aloga Auctions. There was 1,000 euros waiting for the winner!
Berber Dijkman showed a very efficient round with the light-footed and handy Coberlina Z (Casimo) and would come second. It was Dennis van den Brink who dipped under her time, despite Kallas making a big stumble after a rough jump over an oxer, stayed in the nick of time and finished his job. Roelof Bril finished third with the homebred Iberico (Contendro I), who has quite a few 1.60m courses under his belt. “And can now nicely jump a hole lower,” the rider is delighted about the double clear. Fourth and fifth were Lielle Rhodes and Sander Geerink.
Dennis van den Brink is also happy with Kallas, who was bought as a foal nine years ago by his father Teus van den Brink. He became a KWPN-approved stallion, his offspring are also very appealing, but he did not cover a lot of mares and his hormones got in the way. Last winter he was neutered.
“Kallas can do it all, but he had some concentration problems,” laughs Dennis van den Brink. As a stallion, he was easily distracted by his surroundings. Now that he has been castrated, he seems to be in the shape of his life. “We started this year in Oliva, where he was already jumping well. Recently he won two international classes in De Wolden and now here in Vragender the 1.45m. Really very nice. Kallas is much more happy and calm now, also at home. And now I’m going to hose him down,” Dennis van den Brink walks with his winner to the tap where all jumpers are rinsed off after their courses.
Auteur/pictures: Wendy Scholten
