It was yet another popular win of the weekend as home rider Timothee Anciaume rode his stunning grey stallion Padock du Plessis*HN (Kannan x Adelfos) to the win in the 1,45m Prix Aire Cantilienne in spectacular style against the clock.
With many of the world's best riders taking part in the early morning CSI5* competition, the pace was fast as Cian O'Connor (IRL) was the first of the show jumpers to rocket to the top of the time sheets in 59.97s with his grey gelding Coco II (la Poco x Calato). Luca Maria Moneta (ITA) and his bay gelding Bonheur S (Toulon x Heartbreaker) then squeezed in with milliseconds off Cian's time to finish second in 59.60s.
Fourteenth to go Timothee, who has recently brought his grey stallion back into work from injury, knew he had everything to do and rode an artful round, clinching the trophy from Luca in just 59.54s - six tenths of a second ahead.
Talking about his win, Timothee commented: "I’m happy because this is an amazing show, and in France it’s one of the best shows you can find. The grass arena is in great form. My plan was to focus on this class and I’m happy because my horse jumped very well. He was injured recently and then I was injured so we had a delicate time together.
"A win like this one is good for both of us, it’s a positive new start. It was not an easy win but it’s true that my horse had already jumped higher classes, he is coming back to form and the conditions today were good for us.
"He jumped very well in the warm up arena, my feeling was very good. I’m lucky enough to compete in a few of the Longines Global Champions Tour with some international destinations. This circuit is excellent and brings great things to Equestrian sport. The destinations are fantastic so as soon as we can even more involved, I won't hesitate for one second!"
Source: Press release from the Longines Global Champions Tour