Grimaud, France – September 22, 2022 – Winner of the €100,000 Hubside Grand Prix CSI 4* last week at the Hubside Jumping – Grimaud-Golfe de Saint-Tropez, Victor Bettendorf (LUX) and Simolo de La Roque Z won the major class of the day at the venue, the €55,000 Hubside Jump-off Challenge CSI 5*.
Bettendorf and the 2012 grey Zangersheide gelding (Spartacus TN x Casall) bested the competition by clearing all the 1.55m obstacles while registering the fastest time of 38.33 seconds in the tiebreaker.
Finishing second amongst the four jump-off riders, the Rhônalpin Julien Gonin (FRA), associated with Valou du Lys (Calvaro F.C. x Galoubet A), also going double clear while stopping the final timers in 38.97 seconds.
The host nation swept the podium with Cédric Hurel (FRA) and Fantasio Floreval Z (Florian de La Vie x Clinton) finishing third, registering no penalties at the end of their two performances too, securing bronze honors in 39.26 seconds.
Winner’s Circle – Victor Bettendorf (LUX)
“I must admit that I have won, I love this feeling. With Simolo de La Roque Z, I had already finished second in the Hubside Jumping Grand Prix at Valence because I wanted to secure the title; oday, we were only in the four jump-off so we had to try it, especially since I had the green light from Adeline (Hecart, editor’s note) who confirmed to me that we had to try to win. It’s what I tried to do and at the moment it’s working well, so I’m taking advantage of it! (smile) Simolo comes from Haras de La Roque, like many of the horses I ride. He’s super respectful: I am used to comparing him to a cat, which jumps 2mm from the bars but without giving the impression of being in danger, or risking getting a penalty. I give her immense confidence, which helps me to take risks since I don’t have the fear of knocking over a bar. Simolo, who does not have the greatest experience for the moment, is still in the process of “construction” in regards to bigger events next year. He might jump the 1.50cm class tomorrow. But in the Grand Prix, I will be accompanied by Mr. Tac. I will not necessarily start with victory in mind: There is very good competition here at the Hubside Jumping Grimaud-Golfe de Saint-Tropez and I haven’t participated in so many CSI 5* in my life. But go clear round, that would already be very good.”
Final Results – €55,000 Hubside Jump-off Challenge CSI 5*
1) Victor Bettendorf (LUX) & Simolo de La Roque Z – 0 / 0 – 38.33
2) Julien Gonin (FRA) & Valou du Lys – 0 / 0 – 38.97
3) Cedric Hurel (FRA) & Fantasio Florevel Z – 0 / 0 – 39.96
Source: Press Release by Daniel Koroloff / Blizko Communication for Hubside Jumping
Photos: © Hubside Jumping / Sportfot
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News France
