Geneva, Switzerland – December 09, 2023 – The CHF $112,500 Geneva Cup CSI 5* is always a real spectacle, a test of power and agility, once again on a course set up by Gérard Lachat (SUI) and his team at the Palexpo during the CHI Geneva 5*. The 1.60 challenge, made up exclusively of composed obstacles – apart from the first – alternates doubles, triples and even a quadruple. A highly technical score offering great sport. Twenty-four brave combinations faced the 1.60m test but only five managed to complete it without any penalties.

First to complete the perfect course, yesterday’s hero, Steve Guerdat (SUI) showed the full extent of his talent with Double Jeu d’Honvault. In his wake, the Swede Henrik Von Eckermann (SWE) qualified for the jump-off with the reactive Iliana, determined to replay the old duel for the main prize previous the CHF $500,000 IJRC Rolex Top 10 Final, but to modify the outcome. Following them, the Austrian Max Kühner (AUT) on EIC Daloubet, the Swede Peder Fredricson (SWE) on his faithful Catch Me Not S and the Italian Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) on Cappucino 194 managed to do well.

The jump-off promised to be a thriller right to the wire. First to set off, the Swiss rider and the 2013 bay Selle Français gelding (Kannan x Cook du Midouir) cut short and galloped relentlessly, posting a faultless run in 32.29 seconds. The tone was set!

His first pursuer, the world No. 1, Henrik von Eckermann and the 2013 bay Royal Dutch – Sport Horse Dutch Warmblood mare (Cardento 933 x Gentleman) cut even shorter and galloped even faster, taking his revenge on yesterday’s Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final, doing so in 31.12 seconds for the win.

The first two places seemed acquired, however, without seeming to do so, Peder Fredricson (SWE) and his 2006 gray Swedish Warmblood geldign (Cardento x Ramiro’s Son) slipped between the two big names, earning reserve honors by only 4 hundredths of a second (31.16 seconds).

Final Results – CHF $112,500 Geneva Cup CSI 5*

1) Henrik Von Eckermann (SWE) & Iliana – 0 / 0 – 31.12

2) Peder Fredricson (SWE) & Catch Me Not S – 0 / 0 – 31.16

3) Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Double Jeu d’Honvault – 0 / 0 – 32.29

Source: News Release (translated & edited) from CHI de Genève

Photo: © CHI de Genève / Soraya Exquis Photographie

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