As usual, this evening's CSI5* competition at Dinard was all about the derby. The derby over a height of 1m45 is one of the highlights of the weekend. Is was therefore no surprise that the stands were packed. Finally, the French audience also saw one of their national riders jump to victory: Felix Jarry rode his Elgaura, an 11-year-old L'Arc de Triomphe daughter, clear round in 162.76 seconds to be the clear winner.
‘I still can't believe it,’ the Frenchman told us afterwards. ‘I competed in the derby for the first time last year with the same mare. Last year tanked confidence. But winning? Then I did not expect it right away’.
Colombian Roberto Terna Tafur came closest with the Zangersheide gelding Iron Maiden (by Clarimo). They also recorded a clear derby behind their name and finished in 169.00 seconds. The audience saw not only the gold but also the bronze medal end up in French hands: Nicolas Delmotte with Citadin du Chatellier (by L'Arc de Triomphe) could take the third spot on the podium after a clear derby in 172.58 seconds.
Julien Gonin provided the third French top five ranking. He rode Estrella de la Batia (by Diamant de Semilly) to the finish in 160.70 seconds, well the fastest time but they tapped one hurdle against the ground. Steve Guerdat and Easy Star de Talma (by Quick Star) completed the top five.