Steve Guerdat and Victorio des Frotards winning the CSI5* Grand Prix.
© Hubside Jumping/Marco Villanti
Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat wins first CSI5* Grand Prix since lockdown eases
By Equestrian Life
Showjumping competition continues in France, with Hubside Jumping in Grimaud (Gulf of St Tropez) holding it’s third week of competition. The event saw the first CSI5* Grand Prix since a return to competition following the coronavirus lockdowns.
The Grand Prix was won by Swiss star Steve Guerdat and chestnut gelding Victoria des Frotards. They produced the quickest clear in a nine horse jump off. Second place went to France’s Edward Levy and Rebeca LS, with Sweden’s Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S in third. It was a top class field, with two thirds of the world’s top 30 present.
“The first round went really well. Victorio had already won the three 5-star Grands Prix in which he competed this year. I knew he could do it but despite this, there were a lot of unknowns in this Grand Prix, as I didn’t jump a lot with my horses during the lockdown. He jumped really well here during the first week of the HUBSIDE JUMPING and then he went home to rest a bit last week. He jumped really well in the first big class on Thursday, but in the 1.50m class on Friday I felt he was a bit tired. So I wasn’t sure how we would do today. Apparently, the day off really did him good, because during the first round he jumped incredibly. I think that he has never jumped as well as that! I had a great feeling in the ring when we jumped the first round. The jump-off of this Grand Prix was really fast, like all the classes that take place here, and that’s why I chose to ride Victorio. He really gave it his all for me in the jump-off and I’m really proud of him! Next week, I will be back in the ring here but without Victorio, who is going home to have a rest,” said Guerdat following the win.
Australian Edwina Tops-Alexander unfortunately had to retire in the Grand Prix with her bay mare Identity Vitseroel.
However, Edwina did enjoy success earlier at the event with Latisha de Regor, finishing seventh in a big CSI5* class where the pair jumped a double clear and were only a second off the winner. They also finished eighth in another CSI5* class.
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