Pius Schwizer opened the CSI4* Longines Jumping Crans-Montana with two home wins: First in Thursday's 1.40m Prix du Weisshorn, then in the 1.45m Prix Emil Frey Sion.
The 1.45m competition counting for the world ranking was also a qualifier for Sunday's Grand Prix, and with 33 out of 69 pairs jumping clear a quick time was needed to make it to the top. Riding the 11-year-old gelding Balou Rubin R (Balou du Rouet x Couleur-Rubin), Schwizer (SUI) stopped the clock at 54.71 seconds to take the win. Robert Smith (GBR) took the runner-up position on Ilton (Dulf van den Bisschop x Calvaro), with a time of 55.51 seconds. Another home rider followed in third place: Edwin Smits on Dandiego B Z (Dutch Capitol x Flemmingh) in 55.83 seconds.
Schwizer's win in the 1.40m Prix du Weisshorn came on Caruso Enrico (Clarimo x Lorentin I). "I love the competition here," said Schwizer. "The setting is fantastic and it is a very professional organization. It feels like home."
Text © World of Showjumping based on press release from Longines Jumping Crans-Montana
Picture © Longines Jumping Crans-Montana, Gallery Glance