Lyon, France – November 05, 2023 – This morning, the Swiss national anthem rang out once again in the international arena at the Longines Equita Lyon – Concours Hippique International, as Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Bastille won the Prix Sommer, a 1.50-metre class against the clock. In fact, Swiss riders dominated the class, with Edouard Schmitz (SUI) and Pius Schwizer (SUI) completing the podium.

The three riders played a game of musical chairs. Starting with the race number 8 on his back, Edouard Schmitz (SUI) first took command of the class with Be Hippy TT, the eight-year-old daughter of Balou du Rouet, completing a clear round in 62″36.

The young Swiss rider led the competition for a long time, before seeing his compatriot, the world No. 4 Martin Fuchs, take the reins. Riding the nine-year-old Bastille, also a daughter of Balou du Rouet, the 31-year-old rider masterfully completed the course in 61”59. 

Pius Schwizer (SUI), riding Dubai du Bois Pinchet, finished third with a time of 63″02. The best-ranked French rider was the GL Events’ rider Olivier Perreau, who finished fourth (64”21) with Bresil de Carnaval Santa Rosa, the son of Mylord Carthago*HN.

Winner`s Circle – Martin Fuchs (SUI)

“I was really happy with my horse today. She’s going to have a two-month break now, so I wanted to finish her season on a good note. And it’s always great to win here in Lyon. Bastille made her international début this year and jumped her first 5* Grand Prix in Helsinki (FIN) a few weeks ago. I hope to enter her in her first Nations Cups in 2024, as well as a few 5* Grand Prix events,” said Martin Fuchs, who holds the record for the number of wins at the Longines FEI World Cup Grand Prix in Lyon.

Final Results – €26,200 Sommer Prize CSI 5*-W

1) Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Bastille– 0 – 61.59

2) Edouard Schmitz (SUI) & Be Hippy TT – 0 – 62.36

3) Pius Schwizer (SUI) & Dubai du Bois Pinchet – 0 / 0 – 63.02

Source: Press Release from Longines Equita Lyon

Photos: © PSV Photo / Jean Morel

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