Dinard, France – July 27, 2023 – The 111th edition of the Jumping International de Dinard, run masterfully by the Mars family since 2013, got off to a flying start on Thursday, July 27, copiously moistened with the famous Breton showers with seven classes open to CSI1*, 3* and 5* riders, as well as to future 7-year-old champions.
Due to the weather conditions, the first class of the 5* level, in the colours of the Conseil Départemental d’Ille et Vilaine, moved from the grass arena to the sand arena, very stable in spite of the rain. The target, for the 43 couples competing (out of 68 entered) was to find the key to the two-phase 1.45m course proposed by Jean François Morand (FRA) and his team.
As it is often the case in the first round of a competition at this level, some were content to familiarise their horses with the track, while others decided to play for time in a bid to win part of the €26,200 prize money generously donated by the sponsor of the class.
This was the case for the Irish rider Conor Swail (IRL), second last to start, but who signed the fastest of the 22 clear rounds with Theo 160, taking a fine victory for his first participation in the Jumping de Dinard. A few minutes earlier, Edward Levy (FRA), riding Vitôt du Château, had dethroned Julien Gonin (FRA), already winner of a CSI 3* class in the morning, and leader from start to finish with Caprice de Guinfard, who had to settle for third place.
Hats off to François Xavier Boudant with GFE Eden du Rouet, who took 4th place ahead of Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano and Crack Balou.
Final Results – €26,200 Conseil Départemental d’Ille & Vilaine CSI 5* – 1.45m
1) Conor Swail (IRL) & Theo 160 – 0 / 0 – 36.09
2) Edward Levy (FRA) & Vitôt du Château – 0 / 0 – 36.92
3) Julien Gonin (FRA) & Caprice de Guinfard – 0 / 0 – 37.87
Source: Press Release from Agence Consulis for Jumping International de Dinard
Photo: © Jumping International de Dinard / Eric Knoll / Images Inn’ Photographies
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Ireland
