Aachen, 05. July 2008

Cameron Hanley wins the Prize of the Sparkasse
Speedy hunting competition over ditches and banks

The Belgian rider Ludo Philippaerts was ready to celebrate the victory, because the time of 76,54 seconds, which he had achieved with the 12-year-old stallion Tauber van het Kapelhof, looked like it was going to be unbeatable. However, then the Irish rider Cameron Hanley rode an impressive round in the Prize of the Sparkasse hunting competition over ditches and banks with S.I.E.C Royal Star and took the victory when the clock stopped at 76.32 seconds. Max Kühner from Munich came third on the 13-year-old Oldenburg mare Meautry's Pleasure (79.07).

Hanley, whose parents run a riding establishment in Ireland, literally grew up in the saddle, but it didn't become his passion until later in life. At the age of eight Hanley started riding ponies, then as a ten year old he tried his luck at jumping, at his first competition he jumped off half way round in tears. His addiction to horses didn't actually begin until he was 14. As an 18-year-old Hanley moved to the Etter stables in Switzerland for nine years. However, he has been living close to Frankfurt for five years now, where he also trains. "I want to achieve something and I can do that best here in Germany, the number one horse country," explained the Irish rider. Sevil Sabanci, owner of the 10-year-old Oldenburg stallion Royal Star supports him in this aim. The lady from Turkey is hoping to make the equestrian sport more popular in her home country with Hanley's help.

Opening hours of the CHIO Aachen 2008 ticket sales:
Sunday, 06.07.2008 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ticket hotline: +49-(0)241-917-1111