Edited press release from Hubside Jumping

Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) and VDL Edgar M (Arezzo x Marlon) won Saturday night’s CSI5* Grand Prix at Hubside Jumping in Grimaud. Out of the forty-six competitors, thirteen moved on to the jump-off where Zanotelli was almost a second faster than runner-up Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) on Chalou (Chacco-Blue x Baloubet du Rouet). Third place went to Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) and H&M Legend of Love (Landzauber x Corgraf).

The first double clear in the Grand Prix came from Kevin Staut (FRA) and Viking d’La Rousserie (Quaprice Bois Margot x Apache d'Adriers), that delivered a quick time of 38.05 seconds in the jump-off. Grégory Wathelet (BEL), the next rider to go, shaved two seconds off Staut’s time, but knocked down one pole on his way. Staut’s lead did not last long though as Olivier Philippaerts on H&M Legend of Love and Emanuele Gaudiano on Chalou followed – successively taking over the pole position. It was however Marlon Modolo Zanotelli that would take home the win with a lightning fast round in 35.33 seconds. Those who followed all tried to catch Zanotelli, but did not succeed – knocking down poles on their way. Not even French rider Julien Epaillard could beat Zanotelli this time around, he had to settle for fifth place with Alibi de La Roque (Mylord Carthago*HN x Kannan*Gfe) after having one rail down in the fast time of 35.46 seconds.

“First of all, I would like to thank my whole team who do a great job at home, as well as the owners of VDL Edgar M, who is a very special horse," Zanotelli commented after his win. "He was placed in the top five of all of the most recent 5* Grand Prixs in which he has competed and was very close to winning every time. Now that has happened and what’s more, it’s the first time that I have won a 5* Grand Prix! He jumped wonderfully, I’m really delighted, he is an amazing horse.”

“I hope to come back to Grimaud for the series of shows in September and I would like to thank Sadri Fegaier and the whole organising team who allow us to do our job and practice our sport in this very difficult period. It is very important for us and for the horses,” Zanotelli said.