Saturday was Shane Breen's day at CSI5* Jumping International Valence. With a time of 61.81 seconds, the Irish rider won the Prix Axeria – a 1.50m class against the clock – aboard his 9-year-old stallion Ipswich van de Wolfsakker (Carembar de Muze x Quick Star).
Twelve riders managed to produce clears in this class, and the second-best time of the competition belonged to Gregory Wathelet (BEL) on the 9-year-old stallion MJT Nevados S (Calvados Z x Romualdo) with a time of 63.65. Aldrick Cheronnet (FRA) on the 10-year-old gelding Tanael des Bonnes (Watch Me x Don Pierre) took the third spot with a time of 64.67 seconds as the best home rider.
Christian Ahlmann (GER) on the 12-year-old stallion Cornado II (Cornet Obolensky x Acobat) placed fourth with a time of 64.85 seconds, while yesterday's winner Simon Delestre (FRA) this time on the 12-year-old stallion Chadino (Chacco Blue x Narew) placed fifth.
In the Prix Mercedes Benz Six Bar Julien Epaillard (FRA) and the 11-year-old stallion Safari d'Auge (Diamant de Semilly) made it a popular home win with a last jump at 1.95m. Santiago Diaz Ortega (COL) on the 10-year-old stallion Chaccilot (Chacco Blue x Granulat) placed second, while Aldrick Cheronnet on the 13-year-old mare Ciska van Paemel (Cicero Z x Campus) took the third spot.
Text © World of Showjumping by Nanna Nieminen // Photo © Agence RB Presse / J.Rodrigues