Grimaud, France – October 15, 2020 – Julien Epaillard (FRA) was out for the win and revenge today during the first day of the final week of competition at the Hubside Jumping. Today’s feature class was a chess game between two of the fastest riders in the world.
After being forced to take all the risks to go even faster to beat Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) and Carlotta 232 last week and end up losing due to two rails down, the Frenchman decided that it was time to give the Italian a taste of his own medicine.
Going before the Italian aboard Usual Suspect d’Auge, Epaillard sought redemption and that’s what he got. He risked while trying to overcome all the 1.45m obstacles in the speed challenge, yet managing to go clear with the 12-year-old chestnut Selle Français gelding (Jarnac x Papillon Rouge). Emanuele was faster, but at the expense of one rail down, meaning they would be out of contention for the win. The Frenchman ended up winning on a time of 60.57 seconds while Gaudiano was the fastest competitor, timed in 59.08 seconds.
Mathieu Billot (FRA) and Bad Boy du Bobois were all good until the end too, registering the second fastest clean performance (62.68 seconds) for silver honors.
One of the most consistent riders this year at the venue, Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) scored another top-three finish. He guided Icarus flawlessly across the finish line in 62.88 seconds.
Winner’s Circle – Julien Epaillard (FRA)
“You can say that I was a little lucky today (smile): I made a nice” touch “on the ostacle which fortunately did not fall. There were a lot of serious competitors, and by moving up to eleventh position, I knew I had to take all the risks. Which led, I think, Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) and Carlotta to fault, important competitors when it comes to going fast. Emanuele had to take all the risks, he had no choice. It’s fair game. When he comes before me, as was the case last week, he doesn’t hesitate (laughs). last week, I played the game too much: I was faster but with two rails down. It was my revenge today (laughs). Usual Suspect d’Auge is in great shape. In the Grand Prix du CSI 2 *, like last week, I will be associated with Lima de Muze, and in the CSI 4 * Grand Prix, with Alibi de la Roque.”
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Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.
Interview: Press release by Daniel Koroloff for Hubside Jumping
Source: Press release by Daniel Koroloff for Hubside Jumping
Photos: © Hubside Jumping / Marco Villanti
FRANÇAIS
Le Normand Julien Epaillard n’a pas failli à sa réputation, et s’impose, dans un tempo d’enfer, dans l’épreuve d’ouverture du dernier CSI 4* de l’année à l’Hubside Jumping de Grimaud. Associé à Usual Suspect d’Auge, il devance son compatriote Mathieu Billot (FRA), en selle sur Bad Boy du Bobois, et le Brésilien Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA), troisième aux commandes d’Icarus.
Les Impressions de Julien Epaillard (FRA)
“On peut dire que j’ai eu un peu de chance aujourd’hui (sourire) : j’ai fait une belle « touchette » sur la palanque qui heureusement n’est pas tombée. Il y avait pas mal de concurrents sérieux, et en passant en onzième position, je savais que je devais prendre tous les risques. Ce qui a poussé, je pense, Emanuele Gaudiano et Carlotta à la faute, d’importants concurrents quand il s’agit d’aller vite. J’ai obligé Emanuele à prendre tous les risques, il n’avait pas le choix. C’est de bonne guerre. Lorsqu’il passe avant moi, comme c’était le cas la semaine dernière, il n’hésite pas (rires). Sauf que la semaine dernière, j’ai trop joué le jeu : j’ai été plus rapide mais avec deux fautes. C’était ma revanche aujourd’hui (rires). Usual Suspect d’Auge est en pleine forme. Dans le Grand Prix du CSI 2*, comme la semaine dernière, je serai associé à Lima de Muze, et dans le Grand Prix du CSI4*, à Alibi de la Roque.”
Pour tous les résultats, cliquez ici.
Source: Comuniqué de presse par Daniel Koroloff / Blizko Communication pour Hubside Jumping
Photos: © Hubside Jumping / Marco Villanti / Ljuba
Categories: CSI 4*, English, Français, Jumper News France
