Dinard, France – July 28, 2023 – Thanks to much a more clement weather than the day before, and ideal temperatures for horses to exert themselves, the carefully concocted program for the Jumping International de Dinard CSI 5* & CSI 3* on Friday allowed all the amateur and professional riders to express their full potential.
The real action began at the end of the afternoon, when the 40 stars of the discipline, this time in association with other mounts, competed in the day’s flagship event, the Prix Mars & Co, on a 1.55m course, judged on A scale with jump-off. The aim was to avoid pushin any pole on the ground, or exceeding the time limit in order to qualify for the decisive phase and win part of the €60,000 prize money on offer.
Although the course designed by Jean François Morand‘s (FRA) team was, as usual, carefully calculated to not to put the horses in unnecessary difficulty, it was nonetheless tricky to clear in the allotted time since 14 of the 40 pairs on the start list qualified for the jump-off that promised to be fiercely contested. It was the case, for the great pleasure of the public, massed in the stands to admire this top level confrontation.
Julien Epaillard‘s (FRA) magnificent clear round with Dubaï du Cèdre, first rider to start in the jump-off, seemed quick, but given the quality of the plateau of riders, a fierce battle for the winner’s cup was to be expected.
Sweden’s world No. 1 Henrick Von Eckermann (SWE) and his mare Iliana were soon in the lead (36”87), ahead of Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet (BEL) with Nevados S (36’’97), and Jérôme Guéry (BEL) on Floris TN (37”51).
Neither Sweden’s Jens Fredricson (SWE) on Diarado’s Rose Elith, nor Germany’s Daniel Deusser (GER) with Killer Queen VDM, nor even Swiss Olympic champion Steve Guerdat (SUI) aboard Double Jeu d’Honvault, were able to alter this provisional podium, at the foot of which stands Julien Epaillard, world n°2.
A great moment of sport offered by some of the world’s best riders of the planet, as a rehearsal for Sunday’s Grand Prix Rolex, which promises to be thrilling.
Final Results – €60,000 Mars & Co Prize CSI 5*
1) Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) & Iliana – 0 / 0 – 36.87
2) Gregory Wathelet (BEL) & Nevados S – 0 / 0 – 36.97
3) Jérôme Guéry (BEL) & Floris TN – 0 / 0 – 37.51
Source: Press Release from Agence Consulis for Jumping International de Dinard
Photos: © Jumping International de Dinard / Sportfot
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Sverige
