Jumping: Helsinki: GP Qualifier: Nina Fagerström Is the new Flying Finn

Finland's Mouse and Nina Fagerström take the Helsinki Grand Prix Qualifier (Photo by Marcus Westmark)

Nina Fagerström from Finland beat a field of 40 fast international riders with her top speed horse Mouse owned by Stephex Stables in Belgium. The pair stopped the clock at 47.87 seconds in the 145 centimetres Grand Prix Qualification Presented by the City of Helsinki.


Eric van der Vleuten and VDL Groep Kaid had held the lead for Holland with 48,34seconds, but Fagerström pushed them to second place. Leopold van Asten and VDL Groep Amelie were third for Holland and Robert Smith riding Talan for Britain fourth.

The course designed by Finland´s Aki Ylänne was a classic speed class with a lot of turning options and it suited careful and fast horses.

"Mouse was born fast and careful so I only need to get myself in the right frame of mind for the task," said Nina Fagerström. "Mouse lights up every time she enters the ring and tries her best. During the warm-up she keeps herself very calm," Fagerström continued.

Currently Nina Fagerström holds place 64 of the Rolex FEI Rankings and is on her way up. Her speed horse Mouse has won nine ranking classes this year and her indoor Grand Prix horse Talent three.

"It was wonderful to be able to win in front of my home audience and to listen to our National Anthem knowing that the audience knows the words..., "Fagerström added.

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