Edited press release from Jumping International Dinard

The 2021-edition of Jumping International Dinard ended on a high note with the Rolex Grand Prix, won by Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Conner 70 (Connor 48 x Cosimo). 

A total of 44 horse-and-rider combinations were on the start list for this final showdown in the stunning grass arena in the Val Porée stadium – and they had perfect conditions with lovely, warm summer weather and were cheered on by the many spectators that came to enjoy top sport in this exceptional setting. The French course designer Jean-François Morand had built a technical track composed of 14 fences and 17 jumps set at a height of 1.60m. Eventually, seven pairs managed to deliver clear rounds and moved on to the jump-off.

Martin Fuchs, first to go in the jump-off with the powerful Conner 70, delivered the best time when stopping the clock at 42.67 seconds to clinch the victory. Denis Lynch (IRL) placed second with Cristello (Numero Uno x Voltaire), only fractions behind in 42.83. Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Clintrexo Z (Clintissimo Z x Rex Z) finished third, with a time of 43.30. Placed fourth and best of the French riders, Kevin Staut crossed the finish line in a time of 44. 22 with Bulgarie d’Engandou (Vargas Ste Hermelle x Calvaro F.C.). Fifth place went to Lorenzo De Luca (ITA) and Nuance Bleue VDM Z (Nabab de Reve x Canturo). 

“I am thrilled about this result, since it is the first 5* Grand Prix I jump with Conner 70, which I have been riding for only eight months,” Martin Fuchs commented after his win. “I think he is one of the best horses I ever had a chance to ride. In the warm-up arena Steve Guerdat encouraged me to give it a try, even though I was going first.”

“The show here is exceptional, with this huge grass arena, and all the greenery around, it is magnificent,” Fuchs continued. “At home, we also have a grass arena to train, I think it helped me. In the coming few months, I plan to take Conner 70 to Spruce Meadows, even if he is relatively green at this level, I rode only a few jump-offs with him. Anyway, at the moment I am lucky enough to have four horses at this level in my stables.”

“I did not come to Dinard in twenty years,” runner-up Lynch said. “I am really thrilled with my second place, Cristello is a fantastic horse that I have been riding since the end of 2019 and he has already been very successful. He won a Grand Prix in Saint Tropez last year and lately he has been in great shape; in Paris, where he was 4th, then in Monaco, and now here. He is not only powerful but very quick and smart.”

“Clintrexo Z was out for quite a long time, it is only his second Grand Prix of the season,” third placed Ahlmann explained. “I am really happy to have him back in competition. The jump-off was very fast today, and the arena is quite special. The last time I came to Dinard, in 2016, I had to get Cornado II – with whom I won the Grand Prix Rolex – used to the ups and downs, which are quite unusual in 5* competitions. It is for sure one of the most beautiful shows in the world, I love it here, and the crowd is not only coming in numbers, but they are knowledgeable. I would like to thank the sponsor of the show, Rolex, for offering us a chance to ride in such beautiful events with incredible price money, as well as the organisation of International Jumping Dinard.”

Danièle Mars, president of the Jumping International Dinard said: “The weather forecast was ideal, and the riders’ list was exceptional, since twenty of the Top 30 in the world, including those about to fly to Tokyo to represent their nation in the Olympics, came to Dinard. In addition, our faithful public, who came in numbers, did not hesitate to submit to the health constraints imposed by the authorities in order to cheer on their favourite athletes.”