La Baule, France – June 08, 2023 – The first day of the 2023 edition of the ‘Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France’ was marked by Marcus Westergren’s (SWE) win in the €28,000 FFE Prize CSIO 5*, the biggest event of the day in the CSIO 5* category… a very good start before the prestigious Barrière Nations Cup CSIO 5*, the high point on Friday, with a French team determined to shine.
The François André equestrian arena of La Baule dressed up in its finest attire, as it does every year, to welcome the best showjumping riders, horses and enthusiasts to the Jumping International de La Baule. The first day’s competition started under a sunny Atlantic sky, which particularly smiled down on Marcus Westergren (SWE), ranked 236 in the world. He was the surprise winner of the €28,000 FFE Prize CSIO 5* (1.50 m, against the clock), the first qualifying event for the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of of La Baule CSIO 5*, to be held on Sunday.
The Swede finished ahead of Nicolas Delmotte (FRA) with his BWP Ilex VP. “It’s a good way in”, the exultant Frenchman said. “Last week, we had a good Nations Cup at Saint-Gall with a clear round in the second leg. Today’s event was important because I needed to qualify for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The horse jumped really well, so I’m feeling confident about the rest of the event”.
As the fifth to go in the starting order, he nevertheless had to wait a long time to savour his victory. “When I started out, I just tried to do a normal round”, said the Swede. “I really did not expect to do so well, particularly because my horse is only a 9-year-old and is still inexperienced. As I was one of the early starters, the wait seemed very long.
Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) took it right up to the wire towards the end” (the Brazilian, ranked 10th in the world, faulted at the last fence).
Well, I won in the end, I can’t believe it. I’m really surprised to have won. I am a reserve rider for the Swedish team so I will not be taking part in the Nations Cup, but I am very happy to have already qualified for the Grand Prix”
Final Results – €28,000 FFE Prize CSIO 5* – 1.50
1) Marcus Westergren (SWE) & Fellaini de Liebri Z — 0 — 64.31
2) Nicolas Delmotte (FRA) & Ilex VP— 0 — 64.39
3) Max Wachman (IRL) & Quintini — 0 — 64.41
Source: Press Release from Agence 15Love for Jumping International de La Baule
Photos: © PSV Photo / Jean Morel
