Chantilly, France – July 11, 2024 – Twenty-one days before the start of the show jumping events in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, Édouard Schmitz (SUI) once again proved to Swiss coach Peter van der Waaij (NED) that he had done well to count on him for the biggest global event there is. Designated replacement for a powerful quartet at Versailles, the twenty-four-year-old won the major event of the day at the Chantilly Classic CSI 4* on his Olympic mount, Gamin van’t Naastveldhof. To do this, the duo installed in the Fuchs stables had to overcome eighty competitors by first qualifying for the jump-off. Accession possible thanks to a flawless performance signed on the initial course by course manager Grégory Bodo (FRA), who also has an appointment in the gardens of the Château du Roi-Soleil in around twenty days to design and set up the courses for the Olympics, alongside the Spaniard Santiago Varela.

“All that remains is for me to do everything possible to arrive ready for Versailles”

During the short course, Édouard Schmitz (SUI) let his competitive soul speak, without taking any unnecessary risks, and crossing the finish line in 32.59. “I just followed the plan drawn up during my reconnaissance and I was lucky that it was enough to win,” rejoiced the Swiss talent. “Of course, being qualified in such a jump-off it is always tempting to try everything, but victory was not the main objective today. I am very happy to have been able to win this class. My horse jumped very well, I couldn’t have hoped for better behavior from him. From now on, all I have to do is do everything I can to arrive ready for Versailles,” he added.

Coming to Chantilly, Édouard Schmitz (SUI) wanted to have his bay (Chacco Chacco) one last time before the Olympic Games. “I wanted to do one last rehearsal and I think it was the right decision. At the CSIO 5* in Rotterdam, he still jumped five courses, so I wanted to have him take part in a competition with a little less pressure, and perform under circumstances on which I didn’t need to help him too much, so he can indulge in what he loves most. I think we did well in our preparation,” concluded the man who completed brilliant studies in computer science with a major in mathematics at the University of Zurich.

Without seeming to force it, Édouard Schmitz (SUI) ended up overcoming Nina Mallevaey (FRA), definitely in good shape after having completed the Grand Prix of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco CSI 5* in third place with Dynastie de Beaufour. This time, it was on her brilliant, Cartier SR, that the Northerner – exiled for part of the year in Florida – stood out by taking second place in 33.47 seconds. Opener of the jump-off, she managed to supplant the Dutch Amanda Slagter (NED) on Cornet Blue PS, double zero in 34.17 seconds.

In addition to the young Nina Mallevaey (FRA), three Tricolores reached the barrier; Philippe Rozier (FRA), author of a good double zero with Dirty Sweet and finally fourth, as well as Juliette Faligot (FRA) and Pénélope Leprevost (FRA). Eight and tenth respectively, both faulted in the middle of the jump-off on Arqana de Riverland and Djagger Semilly.

This is a major jumping sporting event, as we will have understood, but it is also an event for families, a fun outing over the weekend with a multitude of activities planned for young and old, as spectators or participants, thus creating a festive environment alongside the equestrian competitions.

Final Results –  €56,800 Prix Barré Logistique CSI 4* 1.50m

1) Édouard Schmitz (SUI) & Gamin Van’t Naastveldhof – 0 / 0 – 32.59

2) Nina Mallevaey (FRA) & Cartier SR – 0 / 0 – 33.47

3) Amanda Slagter (NED) & Cornet Blue PS – 0 / 0 – 34.17

Source: Press Release (edited) by Pascal Renauldon / Agence RB Presse for the Chantilly Classic

Photos: © Sportfot

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