Press release from Oxer Sport

Sunday’s CSI4* Grand Prix at the Sunshine Tour, presented by Suzuki, was an emotional and exciting class. 

The crowd was buzzing as the horses jumped the first round over a hard course designed by Santiago Varela. In the end only eight top riders got through to the jump-off; Pénélope Leprevost (FRA), Cian O’Connor (IRL), Henk van de Pol (NED), Holly Smith (GBR), Pedro Junqueira (BRA), Laura Kraut (USA), Marcel Marschall (GBR) and Anthony Condon (IRL) –  an incredibly competitive and fast line-up. 

As last to go, Holly Smith and Hearts Destiny (Heart Throb x Rabino) shot in to first place with over a second to spare. “My horse is exceptional, this is the first Grand Prix that we have won together and I am delighted with him. There was a long gallop to an enormous upright, followed by a very tight turn back afterwards and I was unsure if I should do one or two strides. But I went for one stride knowing I had to go for it if I wanted to win. It turned out well!” Smith said. 

Pénélope Leprevost who was second last to go rode a fast and stylish round eventually taking the runner-up position on Vancouver de Lanlore (Toulon x Le Tot de Semilly). Third place went to Henk van de Pol riding Looyman Z (Numero Uno x Wellington), who trailed close behind Leprevost.