Falsterbo, Sweden – July 15, 2023 – After an exciting Friday that featured the €200,000 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Sweden CSIO 5*, it was time for one of the highlights during the Falsterbo Horse Show – the €97,700 Falsterbo Derby CSIO 5*, presented by Agria at the International Show Jumping Arena. At a height of 1.50 meters, 19 crews made their way through a course with 19 mixed obstacles, everything from water ditches, gates out of the competition course and stone walls.
After an exciting jump-off between Abdel Said (BEL) and Steve Guerdat, it was clear that Steve Guerdat with Easy Star de Talma (Quick Star x Opium de Talma) took home the prestigious victory. – I knew that no matter how it would go, it would be a positive experience for the horse, but I am of course very happy with the result, said Steve Guerdat in Falsterbo’s press conference.
Last year’s winner Andre Thieme (GER) was out of contention as the second starter. Before the class started, he was confident when SVT spoke to him. – I would say that we are a bit of derby specialists. We are determined to be here again this year, hopefully everything goes well. But unfortunately he a few down. – The horse did a good job, but didn’t feel quite right, he didn’t have enough energy. I can’t be too angry but we are a little disappointed, he told SVT after the ride. The competition continued with mixed results. It was clear that the course was difficult compared to the usual jumping classes.
Abdel Said (BEL) and Arpege du Ru from Belgium had the first clear lap of the class, and that continued through the rest of the field. I am very happy and proud of my horse. “I can always trust her”, he told SVT after his round. He also explained that his plan was to take it easy by riding at a slower pace than normal, to trust the horse and give it a little extra support when needed.
Sandra Auffarth (GER) from Germany, who previously won the eventing World Cup, unfortunately suffered a tear at the end – but it was enough for third place with the horse Nupafeed’s La Vista. “She is a fantastic derby horse, she loves the atmosphere at Falsterbo. It was a small mistake, which I wish I hadn’t made,” she told SVT after her ride.
Ireland’s Thomas Ryan (IRL) with Karmel van de Watering, who is Jens Fredricson’s previous horse, got around with two down, which was still good enough for fifth place. Ahead of him, Przemyslaw Konopacki (POL) with Vasco from Poland came fourth thanks to a slightly faster time.
Steve Guerdat (SUI) from Switzerland was last in the class together with the nine-year-old stallion Easy Star de Talma. “I really like the derby. It is a good experience and teaches both rider and horse something new. The horses and riders always leave the track as better,” he told SVT before the class began. It was the first time the horse went to a derby – and did a flawless round. This meant that Steve Guerdat and Abdel Said would settle the result in a jump-off.
Abdel Said (BEL) was first out and rode fast roads, unfortunately with a pole down at the last obstacle. So it was enough for Steve Guerdat (SUI) to ride flawlessly for the win and he did that with the fastest time as well.
Final Results – €97,700 Falsterbo Derby CSIO 5*, presented by Agria
2) Steve Guerdat with Easy Star de Talma – 0 / 0 – 51.97
2) Abdel Said (BEL) & Arpege du Ru – 0 / 4 – 52.01
3) Sandra Auffarth (GER)& Nupafeed’s La Vista – 4 – 159.08
Source: Press Release by Ida Lindemann (translated & edited) for the Falsterbo Horse Show
Photo: © FHS / Erik Raabe
Categories: CSIO 5*, English, Jumper News Schweiz
