What a way to celebrate your birthday! Pieter Devos (BEL) sure knows how to gift himself with the best present: a win in the Jumping International de Bordeaux. After a victory two years ago in Sunday’s Land Rover Grand Prix CSI 5*, another one in last year’s World Cup Grand Prix, Pieter Devos seized first price in the €65,000 FFE Generali  Prize for the Nouvelle Aquitaine  Trophy CSI 5*, a 1.50m speed class that took place last Saturday during the Jumping International de Bordeaux.

“Now, we can say that I won all the big classes of the Jumping International de Bordeaux (laughs). For once, I really wanted to play the game and go fast on the Friday class. I won’t ride Apart in the World Cup Grand Prix tomorrow, and since I would like to ride him in the final in Gothenburg, I wanted to ride him with speed on a whole course before that.”

With a perfect course in 58.15 seconds, Pieter Devos and Apart, a 14-year-old chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding (Larino x Burggraaf) showed to Bordeaux they were indeed the fastest ones.

Michael van der Vleuten (NED) & Dana Blue

Following them were Michael van der Vleuten (NED) with Dana Blue (Mr. Blue x Hemmingway), taking second in 58.33 seconds.

Simon Delestre (FRA) & Chesall Zimequest

Simon Delestre (FRA) rode Chesall Zimequest (Casall x Concerto 4) to a third-place finish with a time of 61.94 seconds.

Pieter Devos (BEL) & Apart during the awards ceremony

During the prize ceremony, the Belgian couldn’t resist to let go some tears. 6000 people chanting “Happy birthday Pieter” can shake up any man, even the calmest of riders!

For full results, please click here.

Source: Solenn Rispail / Agence R&B Presse for Jumping International de Bordeaux

Photos: © Sportfot