Max Paschertz leaves the international elite of the Young Riders trailing behind
Competing on home soil and at the sport’s biggest venue, the aspiring, young German star delivered two immaculate rounds with his mare, Foodfox’ Cathilde H, and won the Young Rider Final – the NetAachen-Prize – hands down.
The crowd exploded as the number one ranking lit up on the scoreboard: Max Paschertz had done it! After a focused and rhythmic performance in the jump-off of the NetAachen-Prize, the final starter moved up into first position. Riding Foodfox’ Cathilde H, he clocked up the fastest time of 36.48 seconds – squeezing past Ireland’s Tabitha Kyle and her mare Desterly (36.97), who had been in the lead for most of the jump-off. Having pulled off this coup in front of a home crowd, the young German star immediately embarked on his early victory lap, savouring every moment: Grinning broadly, he removed his helmet, punched his fist towards the Aachen sky and immediately acknowledged his nine-year-old Holstein-bred mare, who had made this triumph possible, with an affectionate kiss on the neck.
“We have known each other for three years and trust each other totally. She is very intelligent, that is what makes her so special and it is what makes fast rounds like this possible with her,” an overjoyed Max Paschertz said happily after the victory. He added that as the last to go, he had the best draw and was able to watch the rounds of several other pairs before riding himself. “I knew right then that I had to give it my best shot if I wanted to win today. But I had nothing to lose and was able to risk all. My mare really fought for me and fortunately our plan worked out.” Competing in front of a home crowd during the FEI World Championships is something truly special for the Young Riders. “This is an extraordinary highlight for me here. To top it all off like this is phenomenal,” the 20-year-old beamed.
The subsequent prize-giving ceremony was an emotional affair, too: When the German national anthem was played in honour of the winning pair, not only Foodfox’ Cathilde H seemed to enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere, standing reverently with ears pricked. Max Paschertz also shed a few tears in front of his home crowd. A further victory lap followed – a moment to be thoroughly enjoyed – Paschertz beamed with joy, praised his horse enthusiastically and greeted the applauding spectators.
In addition to the runners-up, Tabitha Kyle with Desterly, Jone Illi and Celtas Quillian also put in a strong performance. The young Finnish rider completed the jump-off in 38.18 seconds, securing third place.