Dinard, France – July 29, 2023 – The Jumping International de Dinard CSI 5*, CSI 3*, continued with 6 events, two on sand and four on grass, including the legendary Derby de Bretagne CSI 3*. Once again, the suspense was maintained right up to the last starter, much to the delight of the public.
A mythical event at the Jumping de Dinard, the Derby de Bretagne CSI 3*, traditionally run on the same course every year by Jean François Morand (FRA) over 1.45m, brought together 17 of the most daring couples, determined to complete the 1,100-meter course, which included 25 efforts on mobile and natural obstacles such as mounds, embankments, fords and benches – 600 meters and a dozen more jumps than on a classic course. The day before, riders had the opportunity to familiarize their horses with the famous ford located in the heart of the arena, right next to the impressive pergola. As every year, thousands of spectators, eager to see this increasingly rare spectacle on the international circuit, made their way from the early hours of the afternoon around the Val Porée grass arena, resplendent in its fuchsia-pink ceremonial decor.
To see the first clear round (171”07), the public had to wait for the 12th pair in the running, Swiss Olympic champion Steve Guerdat (SUI), recent winner of the Derby in Falsterbö, this time associated to Easy Star de Talma, a 9-year-old cross between the crack Quick Star and Talma de Toscane by Opium de Talma, concocted by Michel Guiot, also president of the Société Hippique Française.
But there were still two serious candidates to come, including the very experienced Nicolas Delmotte (FRA), renowned for his speed. Associated to his accomplice of the day, Denerys du Montceau, 10 years old, daughter of Arc de Triomphe* Bois Margot and Niobe de Nantuel by Rox de la Touche, he dethroned the Swiss champion by signing a splendid clear round in a time of 167”01 seconds.
Despite a persistent downpour, the public will not have regretted staying to the end of this Derby 2023, as the last rider to take the start, Emeric George (FRA), a former top-level eventer, put all his experience to good use on a course composed in part of natural fences, at the controls of Dune du Ru, 10 years old, daughter of Vagabond de la Pomme and Sirène de la Motte by Apache d’Adriers. He put everyone in agreement by signing the third clear round of the day in a time of 159”89 seconds and clinched victory.
Winner`s Circle – Quotes from the Top Three
Steve Guerdat (SUI), 3rd, confided that he had enjoyed the whole course with his partner of the day, who “loves it”, and particularly appreciates this type of event, which “is good for the horses, gets closer to the very nature of our sport, and makes a change from the usual courses which sometimes become boring for spectators and riders alike. It’s a pity that derbies are disappearing from more and more programs,” concluded Steve Guerdat.
Nicolas Delmotte (FRA), 2nd, paid tribute to his mare who “jumped magnificently” but whom he felt was slightly tired at the end of the course. “That’s why I didn’t speed up at the end, and even slowed down a little to let her catch her breath. Of course it’s always a little disappointing not to win, but 2nd is also very good. I chose to enter Denerys du Montceau because she had already taken part in the Derby de la Baule, and she’s very competitiveat this level. As soon as a race like this appears on the program, and I have the horse for it, I go for it because it’s fun to ride, especially here with this very enthusiastic and knowledgeable public. I had anticipated Denerys’ training so she wouldn’t be surprised. The Derby is an excellent way of training certain horses,” concluded Nicolas Delmotte.
Emeric George (FRA), winner, “I rode the Derby with this same mare last year, and I watched the video. She’s got a lot of blood and energy, she’s very brave, and from our first experience on this type of course, I felt she was made for it, and besides, 1.45 m isn’t the maximum she can do, and today I can allow myself to take more pace and relaunch her. Unfortunately, the Derbys, which I like a lot, are becoming rarer and rarer, because it’s a fun exercise for the horses that’s not at all incompatible with the classic events, and very useful in their training towards the top level.” Emeric George paid tribute to the Mars family, of which he is a member, for giving him the opportunity to take part in his first CSI5* at Dinard and return every yearas well as to the public.
Final Results – €40,000 Derby de Bretagne CSI 3* – 1.45m
1) Emeric George (FRA) & Dune du Ru – 0 – 159.89
2) Nicolas Delmotte (FRA) & Denerys du Montceau – 0 – 167.01
3) Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Easy Star de Talma – 0 – 171.07
Source: Press Release from Agence Consulis for Jumping International de Dinard
Photos: © Jumping International de Dinard / Sportfot / Marine Chocteau / Images’Inn Photographies
Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News France
