Dinard, France – July 30, 2023 – A mythical site, dazzling decorations, flawless organization by the Mars family, generous and faithful partners, a dream start list, great sport and a large, enthusiastic audience: the 10th Jumping International de Dinard has once again lived up to all its promises, with eyes of thousands of spectators riveted on the mythical main grass arena, where the finals of the 1*, 3* and 5* levels were held.
To conclude the four days of competition, and the six events open their category, including the Derby de Bretagne, the 47 couples in the 3* level faced off in the Grand Prix de L’Hôtel Barrière at 1.50m. The initial round proposed by Jean Philippe Desmaret was anything but a formality! Although many of the competitors were also at the start of the CSI5* classes, only five of them were called upon to compete in a seven fences jump-off.
As expected, the determination of the happy fews was equal to the stakes: the generous prize money of 52,600 euros, plus points in the world ranking, as in all international events with a minimum prize money of 24,500 euros. In this decisive phase, Mathieu Bourdon (FRA), 31, signed the fastest of the four clear rounds (44’64) riding Exquise de Ouistreham, a French saddle horse mare aged just 9, a daughter of Jarnac and Riva de Ouistreham by Paladin des Ifs, born at David Aissa’s in Ouistreham (14), who joined his stables in Fougères (35) a year ago.
He was nearly a second ahead of American Heather and Caristo Williams (USA) and Marcianao MVF, followed by Nicolas Layec (FRA) with Bulgaria d’Engandou, while Robin Lesqueren (FRA) ranks Daouen du Morio in 4th place.
The winner, who has never missed an edition of Jumping de Dinard since 2015, explained:
“I’ve always had a crush on Exquise, which I convinced some investors to acquire, so I took the time to know her. This victory represents the culmination of a year’s of work. She’s a little bombshell with a lot of character. I have to give her the impression that she’s the one making the decision, but I have a real relationship with her, and I know she’ll give 300% to do the best she can. I always enjoy riding on this hilly grass track, which is one of the most beautiful in the world, along with Aachen (GER) and Spruce Meadows (CAN). Being supported by the public from early morning is very moving for us.”
Final Results – €52,600 L’Hôtel Barrière Grand Prix CSI 3* – 1.50m
1) Mathieu Bourdon (FRA) & Exquise de Ouistreham – 0 / 0 – 44.64
2) Heather Caristo-Williams (USA) & Marciano MVF – 0 / 0 – 45.30
2) Nicolas Layec (FRA) & Bulgarie d’Engandou – 0 / 0 – 45.38
Source: Press Release from Agence Consulis for Jumping International de Dinard
Photos: © Sportfot
Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News France
