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FTB 2018: Double Belgian on top in Young Riders' opening round

Tuesday, 10 July 2018
Longines FEI European Championships for children, juniors and young riders 2018

Photo (c) PSV Photo Gilles Thomas and Conaro won the first round of the European Championships for young riders. Photo (c) PSV Photo.

This morning it was time for the first competition of the Longines FEI European Championships for young riders (18–21 years old), presented by CWD, in Fontainebleau.

In the main arena at the Grand Parquet equestrian stadium in Fontainebleau, 86 riders took to the
starting line for this speed class, with Belgium claiming the top two places.

After a 100% female podium in the children’s class yesterday, three young men were the top finishers this morning. Gilles Thomas (BEL) riding Conaro (Con Capitol x Quinar), finished the course in 70.77 seconds to take the win followed by his compatriot Dieter Vermeiren (BEL) on Kingston Town 111 Z (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Chellano Z) in 73.82 seconds.

"I was not expecting to win the first day but I am very happy,” Gilles Thomas said afterwards. “At the
beginning of the class there were a lot of mistakes, but there were less at the end. It's always better to win the first day but there is still some way to go. I'm happy for the team too because Dieter was 2nd, so it's a good start! "

"I had a very good feeling, and the horse jumped very well," Vermeiren observed. "My horse was a bit fresh, but it was a good course. It was important for me to get into a good zone from the start of the championship. I was surprised to be in the lead when I finished my ride. In the end, I am second behind my teammate so it's perfect! It's great that the three disciplines are here, it's a big event. It's very nice to feel that the whole group is behind you! "

Great Britain rounded out the podium thanks to the skilful performance of Harry Charles and Vivaldi du Dom (Casall x Veneur du Prelet). "This horse has been with me for a long time and I know it's a good championship horse,” he said. “It was his first time here in Fontainebleau on this very big arena and he jumped very well. This championship, bringing together the three disciplines, is a very good idea and I am very happy to start it this way. "

 


Press release from EL Comm / The Longines FEI European Championships for children, juniors and young riders

Picture © PSV Photo



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