Vejer de La Frontera, Spain – March 16, 2024 – Eiken Sato (JPN), who had already won the Celeste Trophy CSI 4* with Melypso Blue PS FRH on the 14th of March, is having an excellent week . He had another brilliant win today in the €29,100 Sergio Grasso Small Grand Prix CSI 4*; riding Daloa du Banco (Mozart des Hayettes x Dollar Dela Pierre), the talented 11-year-old dark bay Selle Français mare. Until recently, the mare had been with French rider, Adelaide Lautie (FRA) and has just started up her 4* career, here with Eiken this February.
This top Japanese rider decided very early on in his career, that he wanted to pursue horse sports over studying at college and relocated to Belgium at the age of 18, joining Stephex Stables, with brief visits back to Japan to be with family. Since then he has focussed on becoming a top showjumper and has already represented Japan at two Olympic Games and two World Equestrian Games.
Today the pair showed off their new partnership in both of the rounds. There were 88 competitors in the first round just 18 went through to the jump off, and it was there, foot perfect, that Eiken stopped the clock in 40.24 seconds to win the 1.45m class.
British Holly Smith (GBR) had been leading up to that point with the amazing Fruselli (Zambesi TN x Karandasj) and how great it is to see him up on the podium here once again. The dynamic duo also registered two clean efforts, finishing second due to their jump-off time of 40.78 seconds.
Third place was claimed by the Norwegian rider, Therese Soehol Henriksen (NOR) with Iron Maiden and fourth was Spanish, Alberto Márquez Galobardes with (ESP) Aldo du Manoir while In fifth Jessica Burke (IRL) and African Affair rounded out the top five.
The riders received their trophies from Monica Grasso, who is the owner of Sergio Grasso, our sponsors today. This company is specialised in the design and making of artesanal, riding boots from beautiful Italian leather of the very best quality. Today’s winner will also receive a wonderful pair of custom made boots as a part of their prize.
Final Results – €29,100 Sergio Grasso Small Grand Prix CSI 4*
1) Eiken Sato (JPN) & Daloa du Banco – 0 / 0 – 40.24
2) Holly Smith (GBR) & Fruselli – 0 / 0 – 40.78
3) Therese Soehol Henriksen (NOR) & Iron Maiden – 0 / 0 – 41.37
Source: Press Release (edited) from the Andalucía Sunshine Tour
Photo: © Mackenzie Clark
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Categories: Jumper News Asia
