On the openingday of the Jumping International of Mâcon Chaintré, Julien Épailard triumphed, riding Cancun Torel Z. In the 1.50m course designed by French course designer Cédric Longis, the top French rider in the international rankings (4th) beat the British rider and team Olympic champion from London, Scott Brash, partnered with Hello Vittoria, by nearly three seconds.
Richard Breul (FRA) and Easy took third place in this qualifying event for the Grand Prix of the City of Mâcon scheduled for Sunday.
"Cancun is a very generous mare and very comfortable in speed events at this level. She is very competitive! She is a mare with a lot of quality and heart. If I ride well, we are generally on the podium in this type of competition, which suits her perfectly.
I am also accompanied this week by Donatello d'Auge and Dubaï du Cèdre. Donatello participated in a small event today, and I found him to be in great shape. He had enjoyed a break after the CSI5* in Windsor. Seeing him fresh and happy to jump after these few weeks without jumping made me very happy! He should therefore participate in the Grand Prix on Sunday. Dubaï du Cèdre, on the other hand, will jump in two small events on Saturday and Sunday to stay in shape.
I came to Mâcon a long time ago and the site has changed a lot since then. The grounds, the permanent stalls, the parking, I find the facilities really great. It’s a great tool for preparing our horses for major events, and this CSI 4* is already one of them! I am delighted to be here!"