Taking place in Olivia Nova, Spain, the class saw 53 horse and rider combinations, with the prize being the lump sum of the €30,000 purse and points towards the Longines FEI Rankings.
The 1.45m, 13-obstacle-track set by Germany’s Christian Wiegand saw 11 pairs return to the shortened course. First to go in the jump-off, Epaillard and the 10-year-old Selle Francais mare Toupie de La Roque (Kannan x Nabab de Reve) started off in full speed, setting the standard for the rest to follow with a leading time of 39.53s.
“It was a nice course today, with only one triple combination and no double combination” said Epillard. “With the open water, it was all difficult enough today. I was first to go in the jump-off and I tried to do my best. I am very happy that it was enough! My horse had a break for three months, and I came here to build her up again. I think this was a nice way to finish the two weeks here.”
None of the remaining pairs could beat the French rider. Constant van Paesschen (BEL) and the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding Compadre van de Helle (Casall x Concerto II) secured the second fastest time of 40.26s, taking home the runner-up position.
“I think the course today was very nicely built,” said Paesschen. “My horse is just amazing. I could not have asked more from him here – he has jumped great during the whole Tour. This is the place to be, I think – to end the outdoor season with facilities like this and in such great weather, you don’t get this anywhere else. The stables are great, the footing is good and the beach – that is just the little bonus on top. I am very happy to end my outdoor season here.”
In 3rd place, Niall Talbott (IRL) crossed the timers aboard the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding Caracter (Carano x Liatos) in 41.26s.
Fourth place went to Govett Triggol (RSA) and the 11-year-old mare Wolke 334 (Quinar x Acord II), who finished in a time of 41.66s. USA’s Emily Short and the 11-year-old gelding Beaumont W/V (Ukato x Corland) clocked a time of 43.26s in the jump-off, taking home the 5th place spot.
Over the past two weeks at the MET, Epillard secured multiple 1st place victories.
“I really like the place here in Oliva – it is not too far from where I live, the facilities are great to work in, and the weather is always beautiful. Whenever I have horses that need to do some CSI2* shows, I come here. It is the perfect place to get horses ready for the CSI5* circuit.”
The Autumn MET 2017 now takes a week break, and resumes on Tuesday 24th of Octoberfor the second part of the Tour with three weeks of competition.
The full results can be viewed here.
