Going Out With A Bang

Casall Ask retires in winning style.

In a moment of pure sporting magic, the legendary stallion Casall Ask retired with a phenomenal Grand Prix win at the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) in Hamburg. The curtain came down on the final chapter in Casall Ask’s incredible career in the most extraordinary way, as the 18-year-old bay stallion exited the stage with a true Hollywood-style ending. Tens of thousands of emotional fans watched Casall Ask win the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in his home city of Hamburg before celebrating the horse’s retirement from professional showjumping.

Emotional goodbye

From last draw in a five-strong jump-off, the reigning LGCT champion raced home to a crescendo of cheers to top the podium by a convincing 2.5 seconds in the 18-year-old stallion’s final appearance before being retired. “I would carry on if I could, but it can’t end any better – Casall really deserves it,” said the hugely popular and highly respected rider, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson.

Spectators waved white handkerchiefs embossed with Casall’s image as the superstar of showjumping entered the vast Hamburg arena to the heart-thumping hit Jump by Van Halen. The huge crowd were on their feet without exception in respect for the extraordinary equine athlete and there were plenty of tears later during the poignant farewell tribute. It was a celebration of a unique horse who had matured into a rare vintage and became beloved throughout the equestrian world.