Edited press release from Jumping International de Dinard

The competitions continued at Jumping International de Dinard on Saturday, where the Val Porée equestrian stadium hosted seven classes – four on the sand track and three on the grass field, including the traditional Derby de Bretagne. As usual, the Derby de Bretagne brought together many spectators and saw the Spanish rider Gonzalo Busca Roca take a brilliant win on Classified (Je t'Aime Flamenco x Larissa II). 

The long course of the traditional Derby kept all its promises in terms of a spectacle. Both fixed and mobile fences caused difficulties for the riders, with only the top four posting clear rounds. Emeric George (FRA) and Dune du Ru (Vagabond de La Pomme x Apache d'Adriers) took the runner-up position, while Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Double Jeu D'honvault (Kannan x Cook du Midour) placed third, Katherine A. Strauss (USA) and Atika des Hauts Vents (Rock 'n' Roll x unknown) finished fourth, while Thomas Rousseau (FRA) on Udson de Jauzif (Berlin x Pacha Des Serves) took fifth place with four faults.

"It's the first time I come to Dinard, the venue and the public are incredible," Gonzalo Busca Roca said after his victory. "I wasn't expecting to ride the Derby. He's an Irish horse, very brave and I'm delighted with this win. I'm a year-round resident of Florida, in Wellington, and we spend the summer in Europe competing."

"The Derby is an event that I love because it is deeply linked to the history of equestrian sports," third placed Steve Guerdat said. "It's a shame to see only fourteen riders taking part in such an event. Jumping over fixed obstacles is a natural thing to do, I do it a lot at home because I feel the horses enjoy it, probably more than jumping gymnastic lines in a sand arena! Double Jeu is a horse who is afraid of his own shadow. By taking him in this Derby, I wanted to build his confidence, give him experience to make him a better horse for the future."

Later in the day, the CSI5* 1.50m Conseil Municipal de Dinard took place in the sand ring. Out of the thirty-four horse-and-rider combinations at start, only six managed to do a clear round. It was German rider Daniel Deusser and Kiana Van Het Herdershof (Toulon x Lys de Darmen) who were the fastest, flying over the difficulties set up by Jean-François Morand with ease. In 63.15 seconds, Deusser was ahead of the world number two Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), who on Iliana (Cardento 933 x Gentleman) finished in 65.52 to take the runner-up position. Third place went to Bertram Allen (IRL) and Empoli de Champloue (Arko x Diamant de Semilly).