The Longines Masters of Paris first day of competition just ended on a new class, the Prix Hubside. The Masters One riders CSI 5* and the Masters Two riders CSI 2* competed on the same course, with two separate rankings for each category. The young American rider Spencer Smith once again beat the best of the World on a French arena to win the CSI 5*. 

The €24,700 Prix Hubside CSI 5* designed by Frank Rothenberger was the highlight of this Thursday. A total of 109 riders from both the Masters One and Masters Two competed against the clock on the Paris arena.

Riding a mare belonging to his coach Eric Lamaze, Happiness, Spencer Smith (USA) seized first price. Snatching the win from the best riders in the world has become a habit for this twenty-two-year-old, when he is competing in France. Tonight he produced the fastest clear in 53.09 seconds. “I love to come to France, I think this country is my lucky charm! I was riding a very good mare so I just let her do her job. It is still rare for me to win at this level. All my horses are in very good form, the competition couldn’t start in a better way.”

Billy Twomey (IRL) & Ardcolum Duke

Billy Twomey (IRL) and his stallion Ardcolum Duke (Gypsy Duke x Clover Hil) took second with a time of 53.76 seconds. Félicie Bertrand (FRA), who has been on top form since the beginning of this 2018 season, was third, registering no penalties in 56.88 seconds aboard Urano de Cartigny (Diamant de Semilly x Double Espoir).

Podium: Spencer Smith on top of the podium with Billy Twomey (IRL), Félicie Bertrand (FRA), Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) and Pius Schwizer (SUI)

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release from Agence R&B Presse for EEM / Longines Masters

Photos: © Sportfot