Press release from Jumping Longines Crans-Montana

The Jumping Longines Crans-Montana closed its fourth edition in bright sunshine and in front of a large crowd that came to cheer on the 40 riders in the Longines Grand Prix. 

Once again, the Longines Grand Prix kept all its promises. Suspense, emotion and great sport were some of the ingredients on the last day of the fourth edition of Jumping Longines Crans-Montana. Under a radiant sun, 40 riders lined up for the Longines Grand Prix where only five pairs were successful in producing clear rounds over Rolf Lüdi and Reto Ruflin’s track. 

However, the ten best riders from the first round got a shot at the winning round: Four pairs on four penalties, a duo on one penalty point and five without faults. The only Swiss representative in the second round was Anthony Bourquard, who had four unfortunate faults in the first round, but who finished flawless and fast against the clock –  putting pressure on his pursuers. 

While Italian rider Riccardo Pisani overtook Bourquard with a clear round against the clock aboard Cristo (Cornado I x Stakkato), his time of 44.61 seconds seemed beatable. 

Pisani’s compatriot Piergiorgio Bucci and Cochello (Casall x Cartani 4) – highly motivated to take the lead – took all the risks and crossing the finish line they were more than four seconds ahead on the clock. Germany's Hans-Dieter Dreher and his faithful Berlinda (Berlin x Gento) gave it a good try, but a last corner cost them a few hundredths of a second – putting them in runner-up position between the two Italians.

For his first victory at Jumping Longines Crans-Montana, Bucci was presented with a magnificent watch by Longines Vice President Charles Villoz. 

“I am very moved and very proud to win this Longines Grand Prix with Cochello,” Bucci said. “This is a very friendly horse, but he can sometimes be a bit shy. Today, luck was on my side, because I took a somewhat accidentally option thanks to a last stride agreement that worked well. Without it, I'm sure Hans-Dieter Dreher would have been much faster than me! I came here already a few years ago, and I must say that the organizers are doing a fabulous job because it is a special and difficult site although it is obviously beautiful!”

"Obviously I would have preferred to win the Longines Grand Prix today, but I'm very happy with second place. My mare jumped extremely well, and I was delighted to come back here after my last participation in 2012. I hope to come back next year!" Dreher commented.