Great Britain’s Laura Renwick definitely likes it in Dinard, and like at last year’s edition of the event the British rider is in a winning mood – today she went off with the victory in the 1.55 feature competition Prix Suez.

Posting the last clear aboard the 10-year-old gelding Bintang II (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Orlando) in round one, Renwick made the most of her opportunity to enter the jump-off last.

However, it was home rider Kevin Staut on the 12-year-old Elky van het Indihof HDC (Toulon x Thunder van de Zuuthoeve) that took a popular lead as second to go in the jump-off. With long and open stretches everywhere, Staut just kept on going with the fast little mare to take the lead with a time of a 48.12 seconds.  With five more French riders in the jump-off, the crowds had lots to cheer for – in the end both Marie Hecart on the impressive 9-year-old Cenwood Delle Lame (Emilion x Riverman) ended fourth and Jerome Hurel on Quartz Rouge  (Ultimo van ter Noude x Qredo de Paulstra) fifth.

Sweden’s Douglas Lindelöw and Zacramento (Cardento x Cortus) made a serious attempt to catch Staut, only to slot in 0.62 behind – eventually good enough for third.

The only one left to challenge Staut was Renwick, and leaving her brakes at the entrance she went flat out everywhere – not once pulling back in the huge grass ring. When Laura crossed the finish line, her time was as good as 47.01 – more than quick enough to pick up the British rider’s winning streak from last year’s Jumping International de Dinard.

Earlier in the day Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano won the 1.40 Prix du Conseil Départemental, a class that by many was used to warm up for tomorrow's derby or Sunday's Grand Prix as there was an optional course. 

Text and picture © World of Showjumping