Edited press release from Hubside Jumping

At Hubside Jumping in Grimaud, France, Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) and Vestmalle des Cotis (Baloubet du Rouet x Landor S) took the victory in Saturday's biggest class – the CSI5* 1.50m with a jump-off. 

Seven horse-and-rider combinations out of thirty reached the jump-off and in the end, it was Dreher who emerged victorious with his 12-year-old gelding. “I'm really grateful to have been invited to Grimaud,” said Dreher. “My horse is fantastic, he’s a big jumper, but he’s quite sensitive so I always have to be careful and gentle in my actions. He’s a 12-year-old but only started 5*s in September at Aachen so he doesn't have much experience at this level. I tried to go as fast as possible, in the line between number 2 and 3 I wanted to take six strides but I ended up taking seven. I lost a bit of time, so the only answer was to a stride out in the last line. That's what I did, and it paid off!”  

Victorious last week and then again this Thursday, René Lopez (COL) piloted Stalognia (Stakkatol x Chacco-Blue) to a second place, only missing out on another win by 0.08 seconds. Jos Verlooy (BEL) finished third with FTS Killossery Konfusion (Siec Livello x Cruising). 

To continue a great afternoon of sport, another CSI5* class awaited the riders and the public, a 1.50m speed. Guy Williams (GBR) and Rouge de Ravel (Ultimo Van Ter Moude x Quouglof Rouge) went off with the win, ahead of Eduardo Pereira De Menezes (BRA) with H.Big Action (Action-Breaker x Big Star) and Martin Fuchs (SUI) with Tam Tam du Valon (Ogrion des Champs x Quidam de Revel).

“My horse loves speed classes,” smiled Williams. “I can ask anything from him, he’ll always give it. I hope we can perform just as well again tomorrow in the Grand Prix”.