Daniel Deusser and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z top Saturday’s CSIO5* 1.50m presented by Audi at Brussels Stephex Masters

Edited press release from Brussels Stephex Masters

The penultimate day of the Brussels Stephex Masters 2024 had a busy schedule. Around 9:30 PM, the Grand Place arena was packed with spectators who didn’t want to miss the final event of the day: The CSIO5* 1.50m presented by Audi, the last qualifier for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix. 

Ten horse-and-rider combinations qualified for the jump-off, where the first pair, Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Is-Minka (Mylord Carthago HN x Flyinge Quite Easy 958) immediately delivered a strong clear round in 36.55, which would only be surpassed by the last duo. Daniel Deusser (GER) galloped to victory in phenomenal style with his formidable Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z (Otangelo x Mr Blue), stopping the clock on 36.21. 

After their victory, Tobago could be found patiently waiting for the lap of honour; you would never guess that just minutes earlier, he had flown through an arena surrounded with thousands of cheering people. “But he knows exactly what just happened and what he has accomplished once again,” Daniel laughed. “He’s always so easygoing when you’re working with him. But when he enters the ring, he gives everything and does what he needs to do every single time. I’m thrilled with him once again. I had seen Steve and Harrie deliver strong clear rounds. Since I was last to go, I knew exactly what I needed to do.”

Harrie Smolders (NED) and Mr Tac (Non Stop x Toulon) placed third with a time of 37.10, followed by Wilm Vermeir (BEL) and Magic Van’T Hulgenrode Z (Midas vh Endhouse x Vigo d’Arsouilles) in fourth in 45.28. With four faults in 36.82 seconds, Robert Murphy (GBR) completed the top five aboard Hulde G (Vigo D Arsouilles x Warrant).