Last year second place, today the victory! Tony Stormanns, 17 years old, wins the Final of the NetAachen-Prize.

Japan, New Zealand, USA – the best riders from all countries of the globe came to compete at the CHIO Aachen. But they also come from round the corner. Like Tony Stormanns from Eschweiler. Under normal traffic condition it only takes him just under 20 minutes to drive to the Soers. Whereby, Tony is only 17, so he can’t actually drive himself yet. But he certainly can ride!

He already came second last year in the Final of the NetAachen-Prize. Today, he went one better. He described the biggest strength of his Zangersheide-bred mare, Surprise, as being her speed. That was extremely apparent in the jump-off. The pair only took 35.88 seconds to reach the finish line clear, leaving their fellow competitors trailing behind them.

Alice Laine from France came the closest with Emerald Sitte, the pair that won the qualifier, whereby they were 2.37 seconds slower than Stormanns. Third place also went to France, to Louna Garo with Gambas de l’Ocean (0/38.68).

Tony Stormanns, the son of the internationally successful show-jumper, Helena Stormanns, more or less grew up with the CHIO Aachen. “It means a great deal to me to win here, because I come from Aachen, because I was always able to watch the show here and above all because I came second last year,” he commented showing his ambitious nature. He won’t be able to watch the Rolex Grand Prix this year though. “Unfortunately, that’s not possible. I have to bring the horse home and then I have to leave for Riesenbeck for the European Championships next week.” Always on the go, just like the professional riders.