Bourg-en-Bresse, France – May 21, 2023 – French on flying form! French spectators had put their hopes of a win in a few of their best riders in the €110,000 Grand Prix of Bourg-en-Bresse CSI 4*. Actually their expectations exceeded on Sunday in the grand finale of the Jumping International de Bourg-en-Bresse CSI 4* & CSI 2*. Not only a win but an all-French podium!
Going halfway in the order and amongst the favorites, Julien Epaillard (FRA) were cheered on by the excited crowd as they entered the ring for their two performances. And they delivered! First being clean in the first round of the two-round competition, clearing all the 1.55m obstacles on a course designed by Grégory Bodo (FRA), a score that was matched by 7 other pairs.
As the “Flying” Frenchman entered the ring for the second time, the crowd knew that the dynamic duo could very well register the winning mark. To no surprise, Epaillard and the 2013 bay Selle Français gelding (Jarnac x Hello Pierville) dazzled once again, producing what turned out to be the winning performance in 34.28 seconds.
A pleasant surprise on the podium, Alexandra Francart (FRA) managed to put herself amongst two big names of the sport. She guided Betty du Prieure (Doremi x Chellano Z) towards two penalty-free performances, the decisive one in 35.74 seconds for silver honors.
Benôit Cernin (FRA) didn’t disappoint either. He was more conservative aboard Dynamite du Miral (Nabab de Reve x Alligator Fontaine) and the strategy paid off. As the only other combination with a clean sheet combining the two rounds, Cernin secured the third spot on the podium, crossing the final timers in 37.74 seconds.
3) Benôit Cernin (FRA) & Dynamite du Miral – 0 / 0 – 37.74
Source: Jumping International de Bourg-en-Bresse
Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.
Photos: © Jumping International de Bourg-en-Bresse
Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News France
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