CHIO Aachen 2023: Who Will Triumph in the Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe?

Last year's winner of this feature class and the reigning European Champions go up against some of the best ten-year-old horses in our sport on the prestigious grass arena of CHIO Aachen.

This may well be the most exciting week for showjumping professionals and enthusiasts alike. CHIO Aachen brings the world's leading equestrian and equine athletes together to compete in front of an excited and knowledgeable audience. On tonight's programme, we have the first feature class of the week. The Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe is a competition with a jump-off over a height of 160. With last year's winner and the reigning European Champions among the entries, it is sure to be a thrilling competition. Who are the favourites to win and who will challenge them?

 

The Favourites

McLain Ward & Contagious

Elo 769 | Win 7% | Podium 16% | Clear 52%

This is a horse that thrives in Aachen. This hyper-competitive duo recorded two 160 wins here last year, including this Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe. They are present here this year off the back of producing the only double clear on home soil in Nations Cup of San Juan Capistrano on similar grass turf.

Andre Thieme & DSP Chakaria

Elo 766 | Win 6% | Podium 15% | Clear 52%

The reigning European Champions are already 5* Grand Prix winners this year in Rome. They were a part of the winning team in this arena here last year and now come in as the home favourite with huge ability.

Shane Sweetnam & James Kann Cruz

Elo 767 | Win 6% | Podium 15% | Clear 52%

A horse that is on route to producing a record-breaking 10-year-old season. He sports one of the highest clear rates at 5* 160 in 2023 (83%).


The Challengers

Ben Maher & Faltic HB

Elo 764 | Win 6% | Podium 15% | Clear 52%

This pair returned strongly from a long competition break with 75% clear rounds jumped so far. They have already produced a double clear in the 5* Nations Cup of La Baule and have proven to be fast in a jump-off when they need to.

Rodrigo Pessoa & Major Tom 

Elo 746 | Win 5% | Podium 13% | Clear 50%

This stunning gelding is on incredible form. Currently the second-highest rated 10-year-old in the world behind favourite James Kann Cruz. The only horse that has already produced two double clear rounds in 5* Nations Cups (St Gallen & La Baule).

Steve Guerdat & Dynamix de Belheme

Elo 739 | Win 5% | Podium 12% | Clear 47%

This 10-year-old has proven to be a strong performer. They have been especially competitive at 150-155 level, but they have already produced a number of solid results at 160 too. A good round today could confirm their form.

Pc   Prize of Europe

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