The first CSI5* classes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show were held on Friday, with the CSI5* 1.55m The Defender Stakes being the main class of the evening. After a jump-off with only thirteen combinations joining the excitement, Steve Guerdat (SUI) steered to the fastest time aboard of Looping Luna.
The Swiss rider showed real skills but at the same time true speed with the ten years old mare by Lord Fauntleroy, finishing the challenging 1.55m course with a time of 35,67s. Just under one second difference, Ben Maher (GBR) steered Ginger-Blue (Plot Blue) to the finish line, clocking off at 36,59s and ending second. Giulia Martinengo Marquet's (ITA) time of 37,85s aboard of Delta Del'Isle (Tibet Tame) resulted in third place.
Another clear round came from America's Laura Kraut with Bisquetta (Bisquet Balou C). A time of 37,93s put them in fourth place in front of Italy's Lorenzo de Luca and Denver de Talma (Vigo Cece) finishing in 37,95s.
F. ©: Royal Windsor Horse Show - Peter Nixon