Saturday's thrilling jumping spectacle, the CSI5*-W 1m60 Equita Masters, had the best of the best battling over two rounds in which Ben Maher was the only one to not 'break' under pressure with his Point Break!
Nine combinations were able to finish the first round flawlessly and returned, along with three more, for the second round. Ben Maher (GBR), the current number three in the world, was the only one to leave the rails for a second time and counted on Point Break. The Brit sent the Action-Breaker son over the finish line in 41.04s. In the saddle of Cancun Torel Z (Cosinhus), Victor Bettendorf's (LUX) time of 40.96s was just slightly faster but a jumping fault placed them second. Steve Guerdat (SUI) brought Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte to the finish line in 41.58s to land third place with the sBs'er by Bamako de Muze, bred by Daniel Boudrenghien.
Ben Maher: “It’s an incredible feeling to be back here in Lyon, which I consider one of the best indoor competitions in the world. The audience supports all riders on the course with amazing enthusiasm! This atmosphere presents a real challenge for us riders, as does the incredibly high-caliber field of competitors. In the end, I was the only rider to deliver a double clear, but the format requires us to go very, very fast, regardless of our position before the second round. A victory always feels great, and I dedicate it to my entire team! The indoor season suits Point Break perfectly, as did tonight’s course by the course designer. In the first round, he showcased all his skills, especially on the last obstacles, which came up very quickly and were quite tricky. Winning in front of such an incredible field of riders is a tremendous pride. Of course, I hope for the same result in the Longines FEI World Cup with Dallas Vegas Batilly, but tomorrow is a new day where anything can happen. But she’s a French mare, so I hope to make her shine in front of her home crowd.”
Kevin Staut (FRA) brought the still only 8-year-old Vida Loca Z (Vigo d'Arsouilles) to the start for his own audience and finished fourth with the Zangersheide mare, their chrono at 42.84s. Then again, Yuri Mansur (BRA) had experience under the saddle and came fifth with 16-year-old Vitiki (Valentino), with 43.18s on the clock.
Kevin Staut: “This is a mare I believe in immensely. At the beginning of the season, we had to find a way to keep her competing at a high level. I think she’s truly special. From my experience as a rider, I can say I haven’t ridden many like her. She has both the physical potential and intelligence. And let’s not forget she’s only eight years old. But tonight’s result is no surprise. This isn’t her first event like this. She has already completed several 4* Grand Prix events double clear this season, and even 5* events at 1.60m. It’s hard to find the right word to describe her because I can barely compare her to any other horse I’ve ridden. This is her first time competing indoors in an atmosphere like this. She only completed 2-3 courses at age six, a few at seven. I’ve had her at my stable for two years, and I feel she’s ready. She’s gaining positive experience. It’s pure pleasure!”
Earlier in the day
The Boerhinger Ingelheim Prize, a 1.50m speed event, went to the Frenchman Harold Boisset and his faithful T’Obetty du Domaine. Starting at the very end, the Montpelliérain thrilled the Lyon audience. Always very fast, he completed his round in 61.77 seconds, cutting more than four seconds off the time set by Norwegian Pal Flam, who had long held the lead with Mega Special DC (65.26 seconds). The Brazilian based in France, Pedro Junqueira Muylaert, took 3rd place with Quax 76 (66.86 seconds).
Harold Boisset: “I had the advantage of going at the end of the event, which meant I didn’t need to take too many risks. I had the fastest time on Friday in the Groupama event, but I made 4 faults mid-course, so this time I wanted to play it safer. At 17, T’Obetty is competing in the 5* here for the first time, but she’s still as fit as she was at 12. This was my second time at Lyon, and it’s truly an incredible event.”
Nine combinations were able to finish the first round flawlessly and returned, along with three more, for the second round. Ben Maher (GBR), the current number three in the world, was the only one to leave the rails for a second time and counted on Point Break. The Brit sent the Action-Breaker son over the finish line in 41.04s. In the saddle of Cancun Torel Z (Cosinhus), Victor Bettendorf's (LUX) time of 40.96s was just slightly faster but a jumping fault placed them second. Steve Guerdat (SUI) brought Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte to the finish line in 41.58s to land third place with the sBs'er by Bamako de Muze, bred by Daniel Boudrenghien.
Ben Maher: “It’s an incredible feeling to be back here in Lyon, which I consider one of the best indoor competitions in the world. The audience supports all riders on the course with amazing enthusiasm! This atmosphere presents a real challenge for us riders, as does the incredibly high-caliber field of competitors. In the end, I was the only rider to deliver a double clear, but the format requires us to go very, very fast, regardless of our position before the second round. A victory always feels great, and I dedicate it to my entire team! The indoor season suits Point Break perfectly, as did tonight’s course by the course designer. In the first round, he showcased all his skills, especially on the last obstacles, which came up very quickly and were quite tricky. Winning in front of such an incredible field of riders is a tremendous pride. Of course, I hope for the same result in the Longines FEI World Cup with Dallas Vegas Batilly, but tomorrow is a new day where anything can happen. But she’s a French mare, so I hope to make her shine in front of her home crowd.”
Kevin Staut (FRA) brought the still only 8-year-old Vida Loca Z (Vigo d'Arsouilles) to the start for his own audience and finished fourth with the Zangersheide mare, their chrono at 42.84s. Then again, Yuri Mansur (BRA) had experience under the saddle and came fifth with 16-year-old Vitiki (Valentino), with 43.18s on the clock.
Kevin Staut: “This is a mare I believe in immensely. At the beginning of the season, we had to find a way to keep her competing at a high level. I think she’s truly special. From my experience as a rider, I can say I haven’t ridden many like her. She has both the physical potential and intelligence. And let’s not forget she’s only eight years old. But tonight’s result is no surprise. This isn’t her first event like this. She has already completed several 4* Grand Prix events double clear this season, and even 5* events at 1.60m. It’s hard to find the right word to describe her because I can barely compare her to any other horse I’ve ridden. This is her first time competing indoors in an atmosphere like this. She only completed 2-3 courses at age six, a few at seven. I’ve had her at my stable for two years, and I feel she’s ready. She’s gaining positive experience. It’s pure pleasure!”
Earlier in the day
The Boerhinger Ingelheim Prize, a 1.50m speed event, went to the Frenchman Harold Boisset and his faithful T’Obetty du Domaine. Starting at the very end, the Montpelliérain thrilled the Lyon audience. Always very fast, he completed his round in 61.77 seconds, cutting more than four seconds off the time set by Norwegian Pal Flam, who had long held the lead with Mega Special DC (65.26 seconds). The Brazilian based in France, Pedro Junqueira Muylaert, took 3rd place with Quax 76 (66.86 seconds).
Harold Boisset: “I had the advantage of going at the end of the event, which meant I didn’t need to take too many risks. I had the fastest time on Friday in the Groupama event, but I made 4 faults mid-course, so this time I wanted to play it safer. At 17, T’Obetty is competing in the 5* here for the first time, but she’s still as fit as she was at 12. This was my second time at Lyon, and it’s truly an incredible event.”