Latvian Neretnieks impresses at 1.45m Telus Cup after lengthy journey

Article content material

Kristaps Neretnieks has come a great distance from the agricultural fields of Latvia.

“It’s a pleasant story,” the 35-year-old rider started. “A good friend of my mom pushed her to purchase a horse. My mom was driving when she was younger however then she was working and household and children. A two-year-old mare at our countryside home. I began to trip her, my brother began to trip. Two boys in a countryside home … center of forest … there was nothing. We would have liked one thing to do. So we began to trip. I made fences from the timber and all of it got here out naturally. We began to go to reveals.

Article content material

“There have been two choices … I win or I fall down. This was my begin.”

Neretnieks has performed sufficient of the previous to warrant an invite to the 2024 Spruce Meadows Masters – the primary Latvian to compete on the grounds in 49 years. Additionally it is his first go to to Canada.

“I’m completely satisfied to be right here,’’ he smiled broadly. “First Latvian just isn’t a shock as a result of there should not so many riders within the massive sport. I’m shocked about every little thing, how stunning and every little thing is in prime form.”

At present ranked 107th on the planet, Neretnieks is typical of riders making their debut on the Meadows. It’s massive, massive, massive.

“It’s simply the second day right this moment,” he famous. “I feel it’ll be greater and larger tomorrow and the subsequent days, particularly on Sunday. I’m trying ahead to it. It’s not that the fences are massive however they’re extensive. They’re not like those we see day-after-day in Europe. Yesterday, it was troublesome for me to trip; I couldn’t see the space. The fences are so shiny and contemporary colored and the massive grass … it was troublesome to see the space for the horse.”

Regardless of his difficulties on Day One, he nonetheless managed a 3rd and fourth putting within the 1.45m Telus Cup.

Article content material

Article content material

“The horse jumped nice however my driving was not the very best,” he shrugged.

Neretnieks has his personal small secure in Latvia however as a result of it isn’t near central Europe, he usually rides in Germany and final yr was in Poland. He insists the novice horse scene in Latvia is fairly good, numerous youngsters driving. However to be able to get higher, he’s needed to transfer round, gathering intel from numerous sources. And that features proper right here this week, with lots of the world’s most interesting competing.

“It was a dream for a few years to come back right here sooner or later,” Neretnieks admitted. “My good friend Martin Fuchs, the winner of final yr (the grand prix), he helped me to get right here. I’ve a pleasant six-bar horse for tomorrow.

“In fact, I wish to present my finest with each horse (he has three). See what we will do. In fact, I wish to compete within the grand prix class, nonetheless preventing for qualification. That’s the principle purpose. The Rolex Grand Slam, I haven’t performed it but. I’ve been to the Olympics, World Cup finals however to leap on this wonderful enviornment in a grand prix could be improbable.”

A type of anticipated to vie for the CPKC Worldwide grand prix on Sunday is Germany’s Richard Vogel, the ninth-ranked rider on the planet. On Thursday, he put his title on the Cana Cup trophy for the second consecutive yr, triumphant as soon as once more with United Contact S.

Article content material

“I’m very completely satisfied and honoured to have United Contact,” stated Vogel. “He’s a horse that fits that form of ring and fences completely. The way in which he jumps, you may see he loves this place. He’s in good kind and that made my job simpler right this moment.”

Vogel and his mount posted a brilliant quick time of 41.60 within the jump-off. Britain’s Ben Maher and Enjeu de Grisien had been second (42.06) whereas Austria’s Max Kuhner and Elektric Blue P took third. The win formally qualifies Vogel for the grand prix, one of many 4 legs of the Rolex Grand Slam of Present Leaping. Vogel and United Contact S gained the Geneva cease within the collection in 2023.

“It’s all the time good to have faith and an excellent feeling and consider in your horse and your self,” he famous. “Such a win is an efficient begin into the week and good preparation for Sunday’s class. There isn’t a doubt Sunday’s class is among the greatest you may bounce in your complete profession.

“Very badly,” he added, requested simply how a lot he desires to win it.

Vogel can be anticipated to be the fifth rider on Crew Germany for Saturday’s BMO Nations’ Cup.

Thursday’s first foray into the Worldwide Ring noticed Irishman Michael Pender and HHS Cornetta win the 1.50m ATCO Cup.

Article content material