Grimaud, Saint Tropez, France – April 30, 2021 – It was a fantastic Friday for the “Flying Frenchman” Julien Epaillard (FRA) at the Hubside Jumping CSI 4* & 2*. After winning the feature class of the day, the €58,000 Hubside Jump-off Challenge CSI 4* earlier, he completed the double by claiming top honors in the €25,400 Hubside Jump-off Challenge CSI 4*.
Riding the 15-year-old chestnut Hanoverian (Silvio I x Espri), Epaillard was a man on a mission, guiding the gelding flawlessly throughout the Cédric Longis (FRA) designed course and over all the 1.45m obstacles before crossing the finish line in blazing speed, timed at 61.65 seconds.
As a former number-one ranked rider in the world and after having finished third in the feature class of the day, Simon Delestre (FRA) showed consistency again to climb one step higher on the podium. He rode a impecable round aboard Qopilot Batilly Z (Qlassic Bois Margot x Cabdula du Tillard), registering no penalties while going through the timers in 62.99 seconds for silver honors.
A star on the rise and one of the favorites for the €100,000 Grand Prix CSI 4* next Sunday, Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) secured bronze honors on Golia (Bustique x Doriano). The Brazilian had a solid penalty-free effort in 64.21 seconds.
Winner’s Circle – Julien Epaillard (FRA)
“Solero MS is a horse which had competed until now with Michel Hécart, in the CSI 2* / 3*. At the moment Michel has chosen to ease off a bit so he suggested that I ride him here in Grimaud. We will see how it evolves but for the moment it is perfect. Michel has done all the work and all you have to do is turn the key as they say! It’s a pleasure!”
Final Results – €25,400 Hubside Jump-off Challenge CSI 4* – 1.45m
- Julien Epaillard (FRA) & Solero – 0 – 61.65
2) Simon Delestre (FRA) & Qopillot Batilly Z – 0 – 62.99
3) Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) & Golia – 0 – 64.21
Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.
Winner’s Circle / Source: Press Release by Eloise Lépine /Blizko Communication for Hubside Jumping
Photos: © Hubside Jumping / Marco Villanti / Filippo Gabutti
Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News France
