Romain Duguet was the best rider in Sunday’s CSI4* Gaston Glock’s Grand Prix in Salzburg, from start to finish. Opening both the first round and the jump-off with clear rounds, Switzerland’s Duguet and Otello du Soleil (Alligator Fontaine x Papillon Rouge) were untouchable in this 1.60 competition that closed off four days of showjumping at the Austrian event.
Ten riders went clear over the first round track, that caused several riders struggle. Almost ¼ of the class did not finish, and went out after either withdrawing or being eliminated.
A bit of luck in the first round send Duguet to the jump-off, with several poles rattling along the way. In the jump-off, Romain’s 13-year-old stallion was far more awake though and set a great clear round at 46.59 seconds.
The time proved possible to beat, but it came at a certain expense for those who tried as the poles kept on falling. The only other rider who managed to do a clear round was Czech rider Ales Opatrny on Acovaro (Acodetto I x Calvaro) who took his time around the track to finish almost ten seconds behind Duguet, playing it safe for the runner-up position.
Germany’s David Will had the fastest time of the day on the veteran Mic Mac du Tillard (Cruising x Galoubet A) at 42.82 seconds, but at the expense of a rail down and had to settle for third place. Fourth place went to Mexico’s Santiago Lambre on Johnny Boy (Johnny Boy II x Silvio I), also with four faults in the jump-off as had soon-to-be German rider Katharina Offel on Umeunig Z (Untouchable Z x Chellano Z) who finished fifth.
"As the first rider I knew that I had to risk a bit, as there were several fast pairs behind me. So, I had to try and it worked out. Today was a super day," smiled Duguet after his win.