Saint Tropez – Grimaud, France – June 13, 2019 –  Marie Demonte (FRA) aboard Stella Levista won the €25,000 Speed Challenge CSI 4* the clock at the Hubside Jumping CSI 4*/2* in Grimaud, at the renovated stables of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, France.

Forty-five combinations were at the start of this 1.45m contest on a course designed by  Gérard Lachat (SUI) with Marcel Wolf (GER), Thierry Rozier (FRA) and Filippo Codecasa (ITA) each just falling short, all having only one penalty-point for time exceeded. However,  fifteen combinations managed to complete the first round course flawlessly without being too slow, advancing to the jump-off.

As the third starters in the decisive phase, Olivier Perreau (FRA) quickly jumped their way to the lead, guiding Dolce Deceuninck ( Toulon x Cartier van de Heffinck)towards a penalty-free performance in  62.11 seconds.

Marie Demonte (FRA) & Stella Levista

The Frenchman remained ahead of the pack until midway of the speed challenge when Marie Demonte and Stella Vista, an 11-year-old grey Hannoverian mare (Satisfaction FRH x Levisto)took the lead for good in 61.84 seconds.

It was a 100% French podium as Bruno Garez (FRA) and United Sunheup (Balougran x Brett Saint Clair) earned bronze honors, backed by a clean scorecard and a time of  62.88 seconds.

Marie Demonte (FRA) & Stella Levista

Winner’s Circle – Marie Demonte

“This is my first time here in Grimaud.The place is wonderful, the quality of the ground is great. This very large track is very nice.The course today was a start, with room for galloping but still lines and a double of verticals quite technical. I have the chance to ride this mare is extraordinary. She is naturally fast, so I had only to follow the normal line to win. Levista is currently counting a win per weekend so we can say that she is in top form, tomorrow she will skip the big event of the CSI 4* and then we will adapt the program for the end of the weekend ”, smiled the rider at the end of the race.

Marie Demonte (FRA) & Stella Levista

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release & interview by Eloise Lepine / Blitzko Communication for Hubside Jumping

Photos: © Hubside Jumping / Marco Villanti