![\"\"](\"https:\/\/metoliva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/15761fb4-258f-4165-9870-136c577e4ceb.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThere was no time to waste in today\u2019s jump-off, as no less than 28 of the 75\u00a0horse-and-rider combinations in the Grand Prix delivered clear rounds over Elio Travagliati\u2019s 1.45m first-round track.\u00a0\u201cI think the class was super built,\u201d Van Paesschen commented. \u201cThe time could perhaps have been a bit tighter, but there was not much else to be done differently. We have great riders here and they have also brought some of their best horses, so that makes it really difficult to build.\u201d<\/p>\n
Twelfth in the ring against the clock, Matthew Sampson (GBR) was the first to bring the time down under 32 seconds as he crossed the finish line in 31.77 aboard Geneve R (Eldorado Vd Zeshoek x Berlin). At this stage, Sampson\u2019s time looked hard to beat \u2013 but two pairs to come would prove to be able to do just that.<\/p>\n
Three riders later, Margaux Rocuet (FRA) produced an incredible round with Trafalgar Kervec (Quaprice Bois Margot x Diamant de Semilly) \u2013 shaving the time to beat down to 31.67 seconds, giving her 13-year-old gelding a big hug after crossing the finish line.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
While Alberto Zorzi (ITA) got close with Vauban du Trio (Nervoso x Desir du Chateau), it was not enough and he slotted in behind Rocuet and Sampson.\u00a0The same went for Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) and Luigi d\u2019Eclipse (Catoki x Calato), who with their 32.30 seconds had to settle in after Zorzi.<\/p>\n
Coming in next, Van Paesschen went for the only option: All or nothing \u2013 snatching the win from Rocuet by 0.21 seconds. \u201cI went flat out,\u201d Van Paesschen laughed. \u201cI was advised to go on seven and then four strides on the opening line. My horse has a big stride, so I went for that option \u2013 however, the seven turned out to be quite long but we got there! I also took one stride out on the next line \u2013 only two other riders did that \u2013 and then it was seven long down to the last. I just prayed it would stay up!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot many two-star shows has a similar line-up of horses and riders that we see here for Spring MET I. In my opinion, it is a real compliment to the organising committee here \u2013 it confirms this is one of the best tours in the world,\u201d Van Paescchen commented on the star-studded field of competitors for Sunday\u2019s Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am really happy with my horse,\u201d the Belgian rider continued. \u201cI have had him since he was eight, and I think he really trusts me by now \u2013 I can ask him almost everything despite the fact that he is blind on his right eye. I think he knows he is one of my favourites, so he gives that little extra!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe almost parted ways when I stopped riding for his previous owner, but luckily we found an agreement and could secure him for me \u2013 so it all worked out!\u201d Van Paesschen smiled.<\/p>\n
Spring MET I continues with another week of competition, concluding with a CSI3* Grand Prix on Sunday 2nd of February.<\/p>\n