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Aachen: the Nations Cup for Poland third year in a row

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Aachen: the Nations Cup for Poland third year in a row

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Pianissima by Joanna Jonientz
Pianissima by Joanna Jonientz

For the third time in a row, and fifth in the history of the event, Poland gained the extremely prestigious Lady Harmsworth Blunt Memorial Trophy, also known as the All Nations Cup. This year’s struggles of the world’s best horses in the Albert-Vahle-Halle in Aachen, Germany, brought Poland also a second place in the Breeders Cup classification – The Major T.W.I. Hedley Memorial Trophy – behind breeders from the US.

This fantastic result was achieved mainly by the successes of Michałów’s mares and of course Janów’s Pianissima. It must be emphasized that quite a good result was delivered by Polish stallions (especially Kabsztad!), despite the general opinion that in Poland, beside Ekstern, good sires are hard to find. A high score in the All Nations Cup shows that although for now we don’t have something in the likes of Marwan Al Shaqab (the biggest, beside Pianissima, star of the 26th All Nations Cup), we have nothing to be ashamed of – our stallions distinguish themselves especially with excellent movement, a thing proven by Drabant.

Marwan Al Shaqab by Joanna Jonientz
Marwan Al Shaqab by Joanna Jonientz

We must also say that the judges in Aachen proved to be very generous with the points, they did not skimp high marks and a number of times on Sunday, on the second day of the competition, we saw an entire row of “20s”. This of course raised the temperature in the arena extremely, filled with even more public than on Saturday. Surely the show in Aachen is one of the most exciting in the calendar of Arabian events – the organizers took care of both the scenario and entertainment, while the hot atmosphere was conducive to warmly welcomed surprises. We saw a vocal display (“Simply the Best” for the stallion Pamir I 1990 by Penthagonn, who has a permanent place in the history of German breeding and who received the WAHO trophy) and a spontaneous performance by Michael Byatt, who rode onto the arena bareback on Marwan Al Shaqab!

Nerl with Jan Calis, by Joanna Jonientz
Nerl with Jan Calis, by Joanna Jonientz

The second day of the show began with the class of 7-10 year old mares, which proved to be a parade of wonderful, grey beauties. Already the first of them, Fer Mia (J.K. Nasser – Martinique/Ansata Sinan) bred by Yeguada Ferraro and owned by Dubai Stud, received as much as two “20s” for type. A bit weaker body and movement affected however the final score (91,6), which was “just enough” to place fifth in class. A fantastic entry was presented by the Janów bred Siklawa (Laheeb – Siewka/Eldon), bought at the auction by Al Shaqab Stud. She made a great impression on the judges, as they awarded her with two “20s” for type and another two for movement, which gave her a superb result of 94 points and secured… second place in class. This is evidence of the tight quality level at the Aachen show in general, and of this class especially: without a “20” there was no chance of making the Top Five. The class was won by the delightful Michałów bred and owned Emesa (Laheeb – Etopka/Eukaliptus), who was just a half point short to have a full row of “20s” for type. Next three “20s” were for head and neck and one more for movement – and the total score resulted in 94,5 points! Fourth placed Białka’s Emika (Eldon – Emoza/Ernal), with a “20” for

Emanda with Mariusz Liśkiewicz, by Joanna Jonientz
Emanda with Mariusz Liśkiewicz, by Joanna Jonientz

movement and a result of 91,9. She was bested by the Russian bred and Dutch owned Nerl by Balaton, who despite weaker marks for type, as well as head and neck improved the final score with a row of “20s” for movement (93,2). This mare, presented by the experienced and known from European arenas Jan Calis, at once won (together with her handler) the hearts of the public. The pair garnered huge applause for both charm and harmony – in total understanding, effortlessly they “flew” together above the arena, to the delight of the public. The performance clearly was a pleasure for both of them!

Martinique by Joanna Jonientz
Martinique by Joanna Jonientz

After this fortunate for Poland class (won by two Laheeb daughters bred by Michałów), the arena saw 11 year old and above mares. And again we witnessed solely grey ladies (including two of Polish breeding), though less numerous. Emanda (Ecaho – Emanacja/Eukaliptus), bred and owned by Michałów Stud and Egna (Eukaliptus – Egzotyka/Probat), bred by Michałów and owned by Halsdon Arabians faced off with the Reserve Champion from Halden, Norway – the Brazilian bred Nag Olla Bez (by SW Bezatiw), owned by Anne-Lise and Otto Berg from France and the European Reserve Champion from 2006, Martinique by Ansata Sinan, bred in Germany and owned by Dubai Stud. And it was her who proved victorious, gaining sole “20s” for movement and additionally two for type (94,4). Emanda, with two “20s” for type and a score of 93,5 placed second, while Egna third (91,4, including one “20” for type and one for body).

Marajj by Joanna Jonientz
Marajj by Joanna Jonientz

Next the ring welcomed twelve 4-6 year old stallions, with three representatives of Polish breeding: Etnodrons Psyche (Padrons Psyche – Etnografia/Aloes), bred and owned by Klwaty Stud (of Stanisław and Paweł Redestowicz), Drabant (Gazal Al Shaqab – Demona/Monogramm), bred and owned by Michałów Stud and Esparto (Ekstern – Ekspozycja/Eukaliptus) bred by Michałów Stud and leased by Ajman Stud. This class consisted of truly international stars, including multi-champion Marajj by Marwan Al Shaqab, bred in the US and owned by Al Bidayer Stud from Sharjah (UAE). As expected, he was the winner of this class, with a total score of 94,1, including four “20s” for type and three for head and neck. This extremely handsome four year old, by many considered as the successor of his famous sire, though he does not display splendid movement, still has no equals when it comes to head and neck. In these circumstances the more admirable is the result of Michałów’s Drabant, who does not boast such sublime beauty. However he can show how

Drabant and Mariusz Liśkiewicz by Joanna Jonientz
Drabant and Mariusz Liśkiewicz by Joanna Jonientz

an Arabian horse should move and that’s what he did masterfully in Aachen under the watchful eye and in the skilled hands of Mariusz Liśkiewicz. Five “20s” for movement (plus one for type) allowed him to gain 94 points, merely one tenth less than Marajj and two tenths more from the show veteran Esparto (93,8, including a “20” for type and movement), who was supposed to – in the opinion of many spectators – be Marajj’s only rival for this class. Drabant’s second place is one of the pleasant surprises of the Aachen event and another proof that not always can everything be foregone. Fourth was the “brown painted”, but otherwise standing like a statue Savio (93 points, icnlduing a “20” for body) by Dreamcather SMF, bred by Om El Arab Int., in the hands of Saudi Arabian owners and presented by Michael Byatt. The enthusiastically welcomed Master Design GA by Versace, despite a “20” for head and neck and a score of 91,9 did not make it into the Top Five and placed 7th. Etnodrons Psyche landed at 9th position, though he grabbed a “20” for movement (91,3 in total) and gave his best, garnering loud applause.

Marwan Al Shaqab by Joanna Jonientz
Marwan Al Shaqab by Joanna Jonientz

The 7-10 year old stallions’ class was just as exciting, mainly due to the much awaited by everyone superstar – Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab – Little Liza Fame/Fame VF), bred and owned by Al Shaqab Stud from Qatar. In a truly superb lot of horses he alone drew attention of all those present, outshining his rivals. Michael Byatt led him in calmly, as though he wanted to say: Watch and relish! And there was what to relish. Just as Pianissima is today the symbol of beauty and charm, so her half-brother on the father’s side represents the ideal Arabian stallion. These two horses, close to perfection as none other, set the beauty models of today. “Is it a statue or a real horse?”, asked the announcer. It would seem that such a setting of the head and perfect neck can only be the work of an artist, not nature, unwilling to bend to our bidding. And yet. A fully deserved row of “20s” for type, almost a full row (lacking half a point) for head and neck and two highest marks for body – eleven “20s” is a result matching that of Pianissima’s and her phenomenal score: 95,3.

HS Etiquette by Joanna Jonientz
HS Etiquette by Joanna Jonientz

But the class did not lack other splendid contestants. Presented first – Rohara Bacara by Padrons Psyche (US bred, Swedish owned) displayed just as impressive movement as our Drabant and earned five “20s” for this traits, which gave him 93,6 points and second place in class. To the surprise of many the third spot (93,1) went to the used in Poland HS Etiquette (Simeon Sadik – Etenta/Monogramm), bred and owned by Halsdon Arabians, who was not thought to succeed in such a strongly cast class. Fourth was MCA Magnum Gold by Magnum Psyche, bred in the US, owned by Al Khaled Farm and registered in Belgium (91,9, including a “20” for type). Fifth place for Emiliusz (Laheeb – Emocja/Monogramm), bred by Michałów Stud, property of Belgian owners, was another pleasant surprise (91,2). Unfortunately Poganin (Laheeb – Pohulanka/Pepton), bred and owned by Janów Podlaski, was only sixth (91,1). This class also saw one more horse with a partly Polish pedigree (by Pilot), the British AH Kuda, but his handler totally didn’t cope, which ended in a – luckily not serious – fall and last place (88 points).

Marwan Al Shaqab and Michael Byatt, by Joanna Jonientz
Marwan Al Shaqab and Michael Byatt, by Joanna Jonientz

When the horses were coming out for the decoration, we saw Marwan Al Shaqab being mounted by Michael Byatt, which – as it is not hard to presume – caused the enthusiasm of the public. Later the stallion was also mounted by his owner, loudly applauded by the delighted spectators.

The final class of 11 year old and above stallions – all greys! – brought victory to Imperial Baarez by PVA Karim, US bred and Egyptian owned. Almost all highest marks for type (half a point was missing) and three “20s” for head and neck gave him a total score of 93,9. Second

Imperial Baarez, by Joanna Jonientz
Imperial Baarez, by Joanna Jonientz

was Khidar by Ansata Sinan (Belgium), who earned 93,7 points (including two “20s” for type and one for head and neck). The third horse – Piligrim by Balaton, bred by The Kossak Stud from Holland and property of British owners, impressed with his movement and received a full row of “20s” (93,4). Among the oldest stallions only one Polish representative appeared – Piaff (Eldon – Pipi/Banat), bred and owned by Janów Podlaski, but with a score of 91,5 placed just sixth.

We awaited the championships with bated breath. There were no doubts to Pianissima’s win, but we were still counting on a Reserve Championship for Kabsztad. Unfortunately, he did not gain the title. Behind the Junior Champion Baanderos placed Ali Moniscione. It is a

PS Magnum s Madonna by Joanna Jonientz
PS Magnum s Madonna by Joanna Jonientz

great success of the Italian stud Azienda Agricola Giancarlo Buzzi and it was a pleasure to see the joy of the breeders and their friends. Among the junior fillies triumphed, as expected, the extremely striking PS Magnum’s Madonna, registered in South Africa, before Abha Palma, a graduate of Marieta Salas from Ses Planes.

Pianissima by Joanna Jonientz
Pianissima by Joanna Jonientz

The senior championships had some surprises. The expected Reserve Championship for Venetzia was taken away from her by Abha Myra, originating just like the Junior Reserve Champion from the stud of Mrs. Salas. The national anthem for Pianissima sounded a few minutes after half past four. It was definitely one of the more touching moments of the show for the Poles.

In the finale of the senior stallions father and son met: the obvious winner Marwan Al Shaqab and thought-to-be Reserve Marajj. The comparison of both horses went in favor for the more

Sire and son: Marwan Al Shaqab and Marajj, by Joanna Jonientz
Sire and son: Marwan Al Shaqab and Marajj, by Joanna Jonientz

statuesque father, though there were voices that the son’s head outline is a bit better… However the supremacy was undisputed. When he appeared, a crowd of spectators and photographers gathered at the barriers, to observe this incredible scene. The passage became completely blocked! It would have been the same if Madonna would have entered the arena. Finally the judges gave the verdict: Marajj remained without a title and the Reserve went to Imperial Baarez! Scott Allman, showing Marajj, so sure of himself earlier, was not able to hide the disappointment and even the public was surprised: it was as though Manchester United lost to Manchester City!

Surely a lot will be said and written about Aachen. A wonderful show, huge excitement and picturesque scenes forever etched in the memory. Soon on polskiearaby.pl – a wider article in the “Show” section.

 

Results :

Junior Champion Filly
FS Magnum’s Madonna (Magnum Psyche – Tai Bey Brittney/Bey Shah), br. Strydom Arabians, South Africa, o. Paul Gheysens, Belgium
Reserve Junior Champion Filly
Abha Palma (Marwan Al Shaqab – Abha Gazali/El Perfecto), br. Ganaderia Ses Planes, Spain, o. Al-Mohamadia-Stud, Saudi Arabia

Junior Champion Colt
Baanderos (Marwan Al Shaqab – HB Bessolea/Besson Carol), br. Taylor Arabians, USA, o. Al Khalediah Stables, Saudi Arabia
Reserve Junior Champion Colt
Ali Moniscione (Psytadel – Alianna Moniscione/Focus Highlander), br/o. Azienda Agricola Giancarlo Buzzi, Italy

Senior Champion Mare 
Pianissima (Gazal Al Shaqab – Pianosa/Eukaliptus), br/o. SK Janów Podlaski, Poland
Reserve Senior Champion Mare
Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab – ZT Ludjkalba/Ludjin El Jamaal), br. Ganaderia Ses Planes, Spain, o. Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar

Senior Champion Stallion
Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab – Little Liza Fame/Fame VF), br/o. Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar
Reserve Senior Champion Stallion
Imperial Baarez (PVA Kariim – BB Ora Kalilah/Orashan), br. Imperial Egyptian Stud, USA, o. El Farida Stud, Egypt

All Nations Cup – The Lady Harmsworth Blunt Memorial Trophy:
1. Poland
2. Spain
3. Italy

Breeders Cup – The Major T.W.I. Hedley Memorial Trophy:
1. USA
2. Poland
3. Germany and Great Britain (ex aequo)

The coverage of the first day of the competition: Aachen: Pianissima’s eleven „20s”! 
Photo gallery by Joanna Jonientz

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