The Moroccan sun shone brightly over Rabat’s Grand Theatre on Saturday, but it was Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann who truly lit up the arena. With Iron Dames High Level under her guidance, the German rider delivered a breathtaking double clear to claim top honours in the €165,000 CSI5* 1.50m Jump-Off Class presented by Comité National Olympique Marocain.
From the moment she entered the ring, Meyer-Zimmermann radiated focus and determination. Her precise lines, perfectly timed take-offs, and courageous approach to Uliano Vezzani’s challenging course quickly set her apart. “Iron Dames High Level just jumped incredible today. We took a risk and left out a stride to the last, but it worked out just fine,” she reflected afterwards. “It is great to be back here in Rabat and to win here is just amazing.”
The course, designed to test rhythm, precision, and bravery, caught many of the world’s top riders off guard. Simon Delestre, Nathalie Dean, Wilm Vermeir, and Antoine Ermann all fell just short of reaching the jump-off, emphasizing the demanding nature of this five-star event.
Ten combinations advanced to the deciding round. Austria’s Katharina Rhomberg set an early benchmark with Cuma 5, completing a smooth round in 39.53 seconds. Belgium’s Jérôme Guéry and Careca LS Elite pushed harder, posting 39.33 seconds before Meyer-Zimmermann’s masterful ride shaved over two seconds off that leading time with a stunning 37.18. Christian Ahlmann (D’Aganix 2000 Z) and Peder Fredricson (SV Vroom de la Pomme Z) followed, securing second and third respectively, with Denis Lynch rounding out the top six.
The atmosphere in Rabat was electric, the sold-out crowd erupting as each rider navigated the intricate lines of the course. With the sun dipping behind the city skyline, the excitement and celebration of high-calibre equestrian sport filled the Grand Theatre, setting the stage for tomorrow’s highlight: the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rabat at 13:15 local time.
Top 6 Results – CSI5* 1.50m Jump-Off Class
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Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann (GER) – Iron Dames High Level | 0 | 37.18
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Christian Ahlmann (GER) – D’Aganix 2000 Z | 0 | 38.43
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Peder Fredricson (SWE) – SV Vroom de la Pomme Z | 0 | 38.96
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Jérôme Guéry (BEL) – Careca LS Elite | 0 | 39.33
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Katharina Rhomberg (AUT) – Cuma 5 | 0 | 39.53
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Denis Lynch (IRL) – Brooklyn Heights | 0 | 39.94
Read the full report and latest equestrian news at RaceBuzz.
