Opglabbeek, Belgium – February 16, 2023 – Whenever Grégory Cottard (FRA) and Bibici enter the ring great things are expected from one of France’s most important combinations and once again the dynamic duo did not disappoint on Thursday at The Zangersheide International CSI 4*. Having represented France multiple times at Nations Cup CSIO 5* events and even the FEI Jumping World Championship last year in Herning, Denmark, the pair were up to their old tricks again, delivering the win in the €26,575 Artebeau Projectontwikkeling Prize CSI 4* on Thursday at Sentower Park.
A total of 59 combinations lined up for the jump-off challenge but it was Cottard who conquered the jackpot aboard the 2011 chestnut Selle Français mare (Norman Pre Noir x Nelfo du Mesnil), clearing all the 1.50m obstacles again in the decisive round before securing the win in 32.72 seconds.
A multiple five-star grand prix winner himself, Max Kühner (AUT) and Up Too Jacco Blue (Chacco-Blue x Ard VDL Douglas) fell short of the victory by over a second. However, they did manage to earn a respectable second place, doing so in 34.08 seconds.
Three different nations were represented on the podium as Mathijs van Asten (NED) rode Hotspot (Hors La Loi II) in flawless fashion twice, completing the podium backed by a final time of 34.63 seconds.
Final Results – €26,575 Artebeau Projectontwikkeling Prize CSI 4*
1) Grégory Cottard (FRA) & Bibici – 0 / 0 – 32.72
2) Max Kühner (AUT) & Up Too Jacco Blue – 0 / 0 – 34.08
3) Mathijs van Asten (NED) & Hotspot – 0 / 0 – 34.63
Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.
Photo: © Zangerhseide / Pegasus Photos Creations
Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News France
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