24-year-old snatched up World Cup points ahead of the world's elite

- It's a completely surreal feeling to be sitting here today, I still can't believe that I'm standing here, in front of two legends, said a happy Lars Kersten after the class.

Lars has made a total of nine starts in the World Cup and made it to the jump-off in three of them. His best result was in the World Cup in Oslo 2022 when he finished in fourth place.

- My whole family and our team were here, which doesn't happen very often, so it was a fantastic feeling, said Lars.

Lars Kersten is based in Egchel where his family has a horse farm with breeding and competition horses. The 12-year-old mare Hallilea is one of the family's breedings.

- Maybe we didn't think she would go this far. Even if she had the jumping ability, there is so much more that comes into play. They have to have the right attitude too – but she clearly has.

Only fractions after Kersten came world number one and last year's World Cup final winner Henrik von Eckerman who rode King Edward – ranked as the world's best horse.

- It was a bit of mixed feelings, I thought I got a good feeling and he jumped well, maybe too well. It takes some time when you are too high above the obstacles, said Henrik von Eckerman.

The warm-up ride was dramatic for Henrik von Eckerman who fell off.

- This was a bit atypical; it has never happened before. We were going to jump the last fence and he twists a little and I ended up on the side.

Luckily, Eckerman escaped relatively unscathed.

- I was at the chiropractor this morning and will probably visit her again, but it went well, said Henrik, who is directly qualified for the World Cup final in Riyadh thanks to the victory in the final in Omaha 2023.

Peder Fredricson finished in third place in the class with Catch Me Not, with whom he took European Championship individual silver in 2021. Peder, who has won the most and was previously ranked best in the world for many months, has never won a World Cup qualifier.

- It was a bit frustrating today, I didn't quite get the turn, it was sad not to win, he stated.

Tomas Torgersen, organiser at  Gothenburg Horse Show was thoroughly satisfied with the competitions.

-It has been a fantastic show. Everyone who works here is amazing. We were under a bit of time pressure for the World Cup but managed to build the course in under 25 minutes. I am so impressed with everyone who is here and working together for this competition.

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