“Things Get Serious”: Gerfried Puck Secures Equestrian Glory With Triumph in FEI World Cup at Mechelen

Ahead of the week’s highly anticipated Fancy Dress Western spectacle, the audience at Nekkerhal enjoyed a display of world-class showjumping. The equestrian CSI5-W 1.50m class showcased exceptional performances, predominantly led by Belgian horses. An athlete claimed victory in the jump-off aboard the BWP mare Equitron Melody vd Smidshoeve, solidifying their standout performance amidst the finalists.

Gerfried Puck’s triumph aboard Equitron Melody vd Smidshoeve was undeniably impressive. However, it wasn’t just a singular victory. In a remarkable feat, he secured not one but two victories on the very same day.

Gerfried Puck shines in FEI World Cup equestrian jumping

FEI. TV shared a post on Instagram showcasing Gerfried Puck’s latest triumph. In a video reel, they highlighted his flawless performance with a perfectly jumping horse. The caption reads, “And the winner is Gerfried Puck,”. This triumph saw Gerfried Puck and his partner, Melody vd Smidshoeve, seizing the top spot, followed by Frederic Vernaet in second place and Jos Verlooy in third. The caption further added, “Things get serious on Saturday at 14:50 CET, so be sure to WATCH the spectacle LIVE on FEI.TV”.

Moreover, Puck’s recent triumph in a local event highlighted his remarkable success. Speaking of his win, Gerfried Puck—a proficient Dutch speaker despite being Austrian—revealed his extensive involvement in the equestrian world. Having lived in the Netherlands for a decade and maintaining close ties with a trading stable owned by his brother, Puck emphasized his collaboration with Gert Vermeiren, the primary breeder of their horses. Their partnership encompasses managing a sizable operation where Vermeiren handles the breeding program and rides the horses until they reach six or seven years old, after which Puck takes over for high-level competitive sports.

Thrilling jump-off showcases top performers

Sixteen riders entered the jump-off after Kevin Staut and Julien Epaillard withdrew. Frederic Vernaet led the charge with Okina van de Bien, clocking a clean round in 36.33s, closely followed by Jessica Burke on Nikey HH and Jos Verlooy riding FTS Killossery Konfusion, both flawlessly navigating the course. Despite flawless rounds, Thibault Philippaerts, Koen Vereecke, Sara Vingralkova, and Pius Schwizer fell short of contention.

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As the competition narrowed down, Pieter Devos, riding Casual DV Z, missed Vernaet’s time, leaving the stage for Gerfried Puck. Puck, riding Equitron Melody vd Smidshoeve, triumphed with the leading time. Jules van Hoydonck came closest to toppling Puck’s lead but clipped the final obstacle, securing an impressive debut at the 5 level just shy of the fastest time.

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