René Lopez & Stalognia Supreme in €35,000 Hubside Jump-Off Challenge CSI 4*

By on 9 09America/Sao_Paulo October 09America/Sao_Paulo 2021

Grimaud, France – October 08, 2021 – The most French of Colombians shone today at Grimaud! 46 starters, 12 going through to the jump-off and only one winner: René Lopez Lizarazo (COL) with Stalognia. The rider had plenty to be happy about today as the honours went to him in the big class of the day, the €35,000 Hubside Jump-off Challenge CSI 4*.

At the end of a jump-off contested by 12 riders, he took the lead, which had been held up until then by the Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat (SUI), by 40 hundredths of a second. “It’s a bit like being at home here thanks to the work of Sadri (Fegaier),” smiled the winner.

René Lopez (COL) had a smile on his face this afternoon at Grimaud! Riding Stalognia, a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare (Stakkatol x Chacco-Blue), the Colombian who is based at the Haras des Grillons alongside his brother Carlos Lopez, won the day’s big class, the 1.50m CSI 4* Grand Prix.

Steve Guerdat (SUI with the chestnut Pb Maserati seemed to be well on his way to victory but had to be satisfied with second place, backed by a penalty-free jump-off performance in 34.73 seconds.

France’s Jean-Luc Mourier (FRA), winner of a class yesterday in the CSI 2* was 3rd with Kielekoo Van T&L, registering a double clear before securing bronze honors in 35.14 seconds.

“I saw Steve’s (Guerdat) round and knew that I’d have to pull out all the stops to be faster, but my mare is amazing, she responded and we succeeded. She’s still progressing at this height so this victory really confirms her potential. I felt in the first round that we had something to play for, she was very good and very much at ease during the round. She’ll do the Grand Prix on Sunday and in the meantime she’ll be hacked out and eat lots of carrots (laughs)!” He certainly gave the other competitors a hard time!