Vejer de La Frontera – February 26, 2023 – The third week of the 2023 Andalucía Sunshine Tour came to an end on Sunday with the top 50 riders of the week participating in the €97,880 Equine America Grand Prix CSI 4*, a Longines Ranking class and a European 2023 and Paris Olympic games qualifier. The Grand Prix track was designed by Spanish, Javier Trenor and set in the main, David Broome grass arena.
In the first round time was a factor but 12 riders went into the jump off. In the end it was a Swiss one two, with Steve Guerdat (SUI), ranked 25th in the world, beating his compatriot Martin Fuchs (SUI) who is currently ranked 2nd. Steve has competed in five Olympic Games and is a regular face on the podium and winner’s circle here at the Tour.
Today, Guerdat teamed up with Dynamix de Belheme, a 10-year-old old bay Selle Français mare (Snaike de Blondel x Cornet Obolensky), owned by La Giraffa SA. He has been building her up over the weeks here with a third place in the 1.50 on the 17th, and last year she won a 1.45 class. Steve has had the mare since she was five and she is a favourite in the stable. She clearly loves her job, but rumour has it, according to Emma her groom, outside of the arena she is rather lazy and just wants to eat! Well, today they demonstrated their talents in the arena with a foot perfect, flowing round and not an inch wasted in the turns, stopping the timers in 39.38 seconds.
Martin Fuchs (SUI) was second with Commissar Pezi (Commissario x Böckmann’s Lord Pezi), a 10-year-old dark bay Hanoverian gelding owned by Luigi Baleri, who Martin has also been building up as the Tour progresses. He was second to go in the class and rode a smooth balanced round, with tight turns, finishing in 39.92 seconds.
The third spot on the podium was claimed by French rider, Valentin Besnard (FRA) who rode Dynastie de Beaufor, a 10-year-old Selle Français mare (Diamant de Semilly x Cassini), completing their second penalty-free performance in 40.02 seconds for bronze honors.
Final Results – €97,880 Equine America Grand Prix CSI 4*
1) Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Dynamix de Belheme – 0 / 0 – 39.38
2) Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Commissar Pezi – 0 / 0 – 39.92
3) Valentin Besnard (FRA) & Dynastie de Beaufour – 0 / 0 – 40.02
Source: Press Release (edited) from Andalucía Sunshine Tour
Photos: © Sunshine Tour / Moises Basallote Fotografia / Equus Media
Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News Schweiz
