July 3, 2022 
Success is a fickle dance partner, as Christian Ahlmann can attest. And no one wants to be a wallflower at CHIO Aachen, Germany.
Ahlmann and Solid Gold Z booked their dance card Saturday, jumping to the win in the Allianz Prize. The German rider was equal parts thrilled and relieved.
“Of course, one is always happy when one wins. But I am particularly delighted today, because I haven’t been placed here yet,” shared the former World Cup, European and Nations Cup Final champion.
“My horses jumped well, but somehow it didn’t quite work out yet. I hope that is a good omen for the grand prix tomorrow with Dominator Z!”
Ten pairs jumped clear in the Frank Rothenberger-designed 1.55m course to return for the short track. None came close to Ahlmann and Solid Gold Z’s time of 53.55 seconds, scoring both the win and a career high for the Oldenburg-bred stallion.
Second place went to 25-year-old Swiss rider, and birthday boy, Bryan Balsiger with du Bois Pinchet, (0/54.79 seconds). Harrie Smolders (NED) and the ten-year-old Holstein-bred stallion, Uricas v.d. Kattevennen took third (55.61).
“A fantastic birthday present,” joked Balsiger. “But it would have been even better to come first, but Christian didn’t bestow that gift upon me.”
Consistency counts and Solid Gold has the sterling record to back it up. Entering the prime of his career at age 11, he boasts a 69% clear round rate in 29 starts at the 1.50m level, 46% in 28 starts at 1.55m and 50% in 24 starts at 1.60m, according to JUMPR App.
Solid Gold indeed.
