Press release from Jumping International de Dinard, edited by World of Showjumping

By delivering the only clear round of the day, Germany’s Sophie Hinners and Munin claimed victory in the Derby Saur de la Région Bretagne at Jumping International de Dinard in France, while Richard Vogel, the newly crowned European Champion, won the other major class of the day, the CSI5* 1.50m Prix Key Player with Cubi Cubells. 

Riding Munin (Mylord Carthago x Chin Chin), a 10-year-old gelding, Hinners was the only one to solve all the questions asked by the traditional Dinard course designer, Jean-François Morand (FRA). It was a flawless demonstration: No hesitation, a textbook ride through the double of planks leading down a steep bank, perfect balance over every obstacle despite the challenging terrain of Val Porée. At just 27, Hinners delivered a masterclass. “It was my first derby,” she admitted. “I was a bit impressed when I walked the course, but I trusted my horse. I’ve known him since he was five, I know his character and I knew he was the right choice for this class. Winning it is really special. I loved it. I didn’t really have a specific preparation for the derby, but I trust the connection we have. The atmosphere in Dinard is incredible with so many people cheering you on. I’d heard a lot of positive things about this show – I now understand why.”

Team bronze medalist at last weekend’s European Championships in A Coruña – where she placed 6th individually – Hinners finished ahead of Nicolas Layec (FRA) and Georgio Louvo Z (George Z x Quintus D’09), who were three seconds faster but penalized with a rail down early on the course. With Galax de du Rouet, Robin Lesqueren (FRA) and Galax du Rouet (Lauterbach x Quaprice Boimargot Quincy) – fastest of the three pairs on 8 faults – completed the podium in third.

Earlier in the day, the German anthem had already echoed through Dinard at the end of the CSI5* 1.50m Prix Key Player, thanks to the reigning European Champion Richard Vogel (GER), partner of Sophie Hinners. In this 1.50m speed class, the current world no. 9 was the fastest aboard Cubi Cubells (Comme Il Faut 5 x Julio Mariner XX), his 10-year-old mare. Vogel narrowly edged out France’s Julien Épaillard on Fringan de Vesquerie (Mylord Carthago x Diamant de Semilly) by just 0.34 seconds, with Roger-Yves Bost (FRA) and Embassy du Château (Jarnac x Bolero de Brecey) finishing 0.48 seconds behind in third.

“Cubi Cubells might not be the most impressive horse, but she has a huge heart and she’s very quick,” said the German rider. “I’m obviously very happy with the way she jumped. It’s my first time in Dinard, but it’s fantastic. The atmosphere is great, the arena is excellent, and everyone feels good here – including the horses, who are all jumping really well.”