Contesting the prestigious 1.60m class at Hamburg’s Derby Park, Tom McDermott was one of just eight combinations from a field of 70 starters to produce a clear first round and progress to the jump-off. The pair ultimately finished on eight faults in 44.92 seconds to place seventh and collect a tidy 10,000 Euros in prize money.
The class saw mixed fortunes for other competitors, with the track designed by Olaf Petersen, Steffen Bühling and their team testing even some of Europe’s leading combinations.
Germany’s André Thieme claimed victory aboard DSP Chakaria with the only double clear under 40 seconds (0/0/39.59), while Belgium’s Emilie Conter and Portobella van de Fruitkorf (0/040.94), and Gudrun Patteet and Sea Coast Qarvaljo d’Or (0/0/41.51) rounded out the podium.
Tom McDermott’s result marks an important milestone in his international campaign, particularly given the strength of the field and the level of competition in the CSI5* class. Thirteen-year-old gelding Oaks Ventriloquist (by Vivant out of Renata Ego Z, by Rex Z), bred in Australia by Oaks Sport Horses, again showcased the quality of Australian breeding on the world stage.
With the European season continuing, the result provides valuable momentum for Tom as Australian riders continue building towards major team selection opportunities ahead of the 2026 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen.
For full results click here.
Replay the action from CSI Hamburg (Al Shira’aa Deutsches Spring – und Dressur Derby) via ClipMyHorse.TV here
