A star is born

A Belgian star steals the show in Aachen’s electric grand prix special, while a Brit hits a personal best, setting the stage for a thrilling summer of top sport

- OSCAR WILLIAMS

BELGIAN Justin Verboomen and his nine-year-old stallion Zonik Plus (Zonik x Hohenstein) brought the house down in a packed Aachen, scoring 80.75% to win the MEGGLE-Prize grand prix special. They edged out Isabell Werth and Wendy De Fontaine on 80.11%, with Britain’s Becky Moody and Jagerbomb third on 78.4% — all with personal bests.

Of the big hitters in the special, Becky and Jagerbomb were first into the arena.

“We didn’t have a great start - I think we were on something like 43% after the first movement,” Becky said.

“We couldn't really halt because he was a bit hot, but after that he settled and was super-cool and with me the whole way.”

Justin followed, and the barefoot Zonik Plus looked every inch the natural performer. So did 37-year-old Justin, calm and focused, riding with barely perceptible aids and a loose rein. Where has Belgium been hiding this guy?

“What a horse,” said Justin, softly spoken and almost embarrassed by the press attention. “It wasn’t an easy ride. Some parts he supported me, some parts I supported him.”

He added – rather ominously for his rivals - that Zonik Plus still hasn't reached the levels he’s capable of at home: “He can still be so much more relaxed and smooth.”

And he’s right. There was a touch of tension in his onetime changes, pirouettes that could be sharper, and a walk tour that could become the best on the circuit - all suggesting just how much higher his scores could go.

Zonik Plus was discovered as a two-year-old by Justin and developed quietly through the levels. Until late last year, they flew under the radar before bursting onto the scene at Kronenberg CDI3*, with an international grand prix debut that set social media buzzing.