Edited press release from Hubside Jumping
Julien Epaillard (FRA) made it a home win in Thursday’s CSI5* 1.50m class at Hubside Jumping in Grimaud, riding Alibi de La Roque (Mylord Carthago*HN x Kannan). It was a good day for the French, as the runner-up position went to Epaillard’s compatriot Roger Yves Bost with Castleforbes Talitha (Cardenio x Baloubet du Rouet).
Third place went to Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) with Icarus (Douglas x Sioux de Baugy), followed by Marcus Ehning (GER) with Funky Fred (For Pleasure x Pilot) in fourth and Daniel Deusser (GER) with Jasmien Vd Bisschop (Larino x Chin Chin) in fifth.
"I'm very happy, especially since Alibi de la Roque had never been to Hubside Jumping before,” Epaillard said after his win. “Having him compete in this night-time class was a bit of a test for for him before Saturday’s Grand Prix. Even though he was a bit spooky at the beginning of the round, he finished very well, it didn't seem to bother him too much! Tomorrow he will rest before doing the Grand Prix on Saturday. Alibi de la Roque had a really had a long vacation during lockdown and then resumed competition with Michel Hécart in 1.30m classes. I then took him out to Opglabbeek and Lier to get him back, and he did really well there. It's really great to be able to enjoy this place in France, in such conditions: It's magnificent. For us, it's a real chance to have someone like Sadri Fegaier who offers us so many weeks of competitions with incredible quality. It allows us to continue to exercise our profession, despite a very complicated period. We can only say thank you."
Earlier in the evening, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and Glamour Girl (VDL Zirocco Blue x Caletto I) won the 1.45m class ahead of Jerome Guery (BEL) with Great Britain V (Nabab de Reve x Carolus II). Three home riders completed the top five: Olivier Robert with Vangog du Mas Garnier (Cornet Obolensky x Quidam de Revel), Edward Levy with Broadway de Mormoulin (Kannan x For Pleasure) and Philippe Rozier (FRA) with Rahotep de Toscane (Quidam de Revel x Beach Boy).