Things got a bit tougher on this second day of competition at the Jumping International de Valence. Classes were higher and riders still ready to fight for the first place: the Haras des Grillons’s arena was a place of confrontation for the exceptional set of riders taking part in the competition.

Carlos Lopez (COL) & Ulhane de Conde

The main class of this Friday CSI 4*, the €25,250 Prix SFAM, a 1.50m class with jump-off, was a great crowning for the home rider: the bold Carlos Lopez (COL). On his own land, the Colombian rider was the first to start the jump-off and raised the bar extremely high with a time of 39.65 seconds. Riding his Selle Français mare Ulhane de Conde, Carlos risked it all and put a lot of pressure on his competitors who either made some mistakes or lost time.

Olivier Robert (FRA) & Eros

The second spot was won by the French Olivier Robert (FRA) and Eros, the couple finishing its second course with a clear round in 42.24 seconds.

Jacques Helmlinger (FRA) & Tonic des Mets

Jacques Helmlinger (FRA) with Tonic des Mets climbed on the third spot with a time of 42.91 seconds.

Carlos Lopez (COL) & Tonic des Mets

“I’m delighted for the mare to win here in Valence. She already got some great victories this year. She won the Sunday Grand Prix in Chantilly, a high-level class. She was victorious a bit everywhere, especially on the Global circuit and in a major qualification class of the LGCT in Estoril. I’m thrilled to win at home, particularly regarding Sadri Fegaier and the Haras des Grillons.

Carlos Lopez (COL) & Ulhane de Conde

A victory at home is always nice for the mare, but also for the team who follows and supports us365 days a year. This first place is also theirs and I am very proud and pleased to win it for them.”

The last class of the day, the Prix MMA of the CSI 4* was a 1,45m against the clock won by Emanuele Gaudiano with a record time of 61.06 seconds, riding Carlotta. Shane Breen (IRL) took the second place with a time of 61.44 seconds, quickly followed by Guillaume Foutrier in third place in 61.46 (FRA) seconds.

Regarding the CSI 2*, two of Thursday’s winners were on the first place again this Friday. Indeed, the Swiss Frédérique Fabre-Delbos (SUI) and the French Olivier Perreau (FRA) stood out from their competitors, respectively in the Prix GBG Assurance and Prix France Bleu – Haras des Grillons. The major class of the CSI 2* was won by the French Jean-Luc Mourier (FRA), triumphally riding Umour Buxeen in front of a high-level set of riders.

For full results of each class, please click on the links below

€25,250 Prix SFAM

€25,000 Prix MMA

Prix Hubside

France Bleu – Haras des Grillons

Source: Press Release by Agence R&B Presse for Jumping International de Valence

Photos: © Sportfot