Julien Epaillard & Donatello d’Auge Blaze to Win €100,000 Hermes Sellier Equita Masters CSI 5*-W

By Jumper News on 30 30America/Sao_Paulo October 30America/Sao_Paulo 2022

Lyon, France – October 29, 2022 Who can stop Julien Epaillard (FRA)? In just two days, the French rider has won all three classes in which he was involved. Saturday evening, riding Donatello d’Auge, a horse from his own stud farm (the Haras de la Bosquetterie), Julien Epaillard (FRA) won the €100,000 Hermès Sellier Equita Masters CSI 5*-W, presented by Hermès Sellier, one of the competition’s signature events.

**Jur Vrieling** (NED) & **Comme-Laude W**

He achieved this victory by posting the fastest of the two double clear rounds achieved during the class. As the last rider to start, Julien Epaillard (FRA) managed to shave almost two seconds off the time registered by the Dutch rider Jur Vrieling (NED) and Comme-Laude W, who had been leading the class until then with a time of 41”79 seconds.

**Julien Epaillard** (FRA) & **Donatello d’Auge**

“Starting last enabled me to get a lot of information about the jump-off. I gained time on my rival at the beginning of the course, which allowed me to be more care in the final section, which was tricky, especially the last vertical at the end of the line,” explained Julien Épaillard.

With this performance, he confirmed his status as the best French rider, currently in third place in the FEI Longines World Jumping Rankings. Indeed, his statistics are quite incredible, with 67 international wins this season. “I can’t believe it myself. I have won the last seven events I have competed in. I am lucky enough to ride outstanding horses, but there is always an element of luck involved too. You have to enjoy it while it’s there,” said the happy winner.

**Pénélope Leprévost** (FRA) & **Texas**

Overall, French riders performed well in the Equita Masters presented by Hermès Sellier, since the reigning French Pro Elite champion, Pénélope Leprevost (FRA), claimed third place with Texas (Tornesch 1042 x Robin Z). In the final rankings for the class, six French riders finished in the top 10.