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

Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Looping Luna (Lord Fauntleroy x Calido I) won Thursday’s CSI5* 1.45m Prix Les Estivales de l’Équitation, the highlight of the first day of Jumping International de Dinard in France.

Guerdat, ambassador for the 113th edition of the show in Dinard, won the first CSI5* class in the Val Porée arena. The course designed by course designer Jean-François Morand (FRA) saw 17 pairs out of 78 starters deliver a clear round. Starting as number 67, Guerdat crossed the finish line in 35.45 seconds, stealing the show from Roger-Yves Bost (FRA) who had set the pace earlier on with Embassy du Château (Jarnac x Bolero de Brecey) but eventually had to settle for second in 35.81. The reigning European Champion, crowned just a few days ago in A Coruña (ESP), Germany's Richard Vogel completed the podium with Cubi Cubells (Comme Il Faut x Julio Mariner) in third in 35.94.

“I'm very happy with my mare,” Guerdat, a true lover of Dinard, said. “It was a good opening course and a good start to the competition. Looping is quite fast by nature, so I didn't need to take too many risks or ask her to make a big effort. It's a track where you have to constantly adapt, and she did that very well. Honestly, it wasn't the best round we've ever had, but she fought hard alongside me. The conditions for competing here are truly ideal. From day one, the crowds turn out in force, which is quite unique."