La Baule, France – June 06, 2024 – France got off to the perfect start on Thursday at the 2024 Jumping International de La Baule CSIO 5*. Early in the day, in the first event of the CSIO 5*, Nicolas Delmotte (FRA), riding Citadin du Chatelier, a 12-year-old Selle Français, gave France its first victory of the competition in the  Loire Atlantique Prize CSIO 5* 1.45m, two-phase event). 

He finished ahead of American McLain Ward (USA and First Lady who were just fourteen hundredths of a second slower.

Grégory Wathelet (BEL) and Berline du Maillet Z rounded out the top three with no penatlies in 26.41 seconds.

“To win a race at La Baule is always special,” explains the last Frenchman to win the Grand Prix (in 2021 with Urvoso du Roch). “It’s our Roland Garros! I’m delighted to ride on such a fantastic course. It’s every rider’s dream. Winning the first event is encouraging for what’s to come. Citadin is a great horse who wins a lot and really enjoys the big grass courses. This event was his preparation for Saturday’s Pays de la Loire Regional Derby. He’s naturally so fast that I don’t need to go all out.” 

Final Results – €28,200 Loire Atlantique Two-Phase Prize CSIO 5* – 1.45m

1) Nicolas Delmotte (FRA) & Citadin du Chatellier – 0 / 0 – 25.78

2) Mclain Ward (USA) & First Lady – 0 / 0 – 25.92

3) Grégory Wathelet (BEL) & Berline du Maillet Z – 0 / 0 – 26.41

Source: Press Release from Jumping International de La Baule

Photos: © PSV Photo

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