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The qualifiers for the OLD Masters powered by Derby 2026 have been completed: Following the final three stages in Nörten-Hardenberg, Höven and at the Anakenenhof, all twelve finalists have now been confirmed. On Saturday, 3 October, the qualified young horses will meet in the grand final at the Oldenburg Horse Centre Vechta.
In Nörten-Hardenberg, Calera de Tango by Erdinger – Fidertanz with Katharina Pickel and Elfenherz CC by Benicio – Blue Hors Romanov with Casey Nilson secured their tickets for the final. Calera de Tango was bred by Lara Kummerow and is owned by her rider. With Elfenherz CC, Casey Nilson combines breeding, ownership and sporting development in one hand.
At the qualifying stage in Höven, Viva Vitalis OLD by Vitalis – Fürst Romancier impressed with Lukas Fischer. The stallion, bred by Gestüt Lewitz and owned by the Sächsische Gestütsverwaltung, Landgestüt Moritzburg, will travel to Vechta as Bundeschampion of the six-year-old dressage horses. Infantino OLD by Asgard’s Ibiza – Sandro Hit also qualified for the final with Kira Wulferding. The stallion was bred and is owned by Friederike Rehkampf.
The final two tickets were awarded at the Anakenenhof. Füchtels High Light OLD by Floriscount – Damon Hill qualified under Patricia Seddig. The Oldenburg State Champion mare, bred by Andrea Gräfin von Merveldt and owned by Clemens Graf von Merveldt, already brings considerable experience from major championships. The final line-up is completed by Farino 124 by Fürst Toto – Fürst Romancier with Jenni Kubenz. The stallion was bred by Beate Wedermann and is owned by Gregor Gerlach.
Following the first three qualifying stages in Vechta, Elmlohe and Okel, Dalma Sia Ballante by Secret – Diamond Hit, Viva Romantic OLD by Vitalis – Don Romantic, Noble Secret OLD by Secret – Sunny-Boy, Found Gody OS by Foundation – Vivaldi, Montale Black by Millennium – Swarovski and Jovianos by Jovian – Rubinstein had already secured their places in the final. The field of twelve finalists is therefore now complete.
The final will be one of the sporting highlights of the event weekend on 2 and 3 October 2026. The programme begins on Friday with a dressage show. In the evening, the Oldenburg Horse Breeders’ Association invites guests to an auction dinner at the Oldenburg Horse Centre Vechta.
On Saturday, the focus will initially be on the final of the OLD Masters powered by Derby. From 4.00 p.m., the stage will then be set for the 106th Autumn Elite Auction with an exclusive collection of selected dressage and show jumping horses as well as Oldenburg foals. The weekend will conclude with the traditional Championship Party.
The series was initiated by the Oldenburger Förderverein, which is strongly committed to promoting the Oldenburg horse and increasing its visibility in sport. Together with its partner Derby, it provides talented seven- and eight-year-old Oldenburg horses with an attractive platform and creates an important link between breeding, training and sport.
Anyone wishing to support the work of the Förderverein and help ensure that the Oldenburg horse continues to have a strong presence in sport is warmly invited to become a member of the Oldenburger Förderverein. Together, platforms can continue to be created that promote talented horses and sustainably strengthen Oldenburg sport.
Photo: Elfenherz CC with Casey Nilson, Calera de Tango with Katharina Pickel and Breeding Director Peer Eitenmüller (from left to right)
