After several months of absence, Cayman Jolly Jumper, Simon Delestre's top horse, is back in competition. Delestre himself enthusiastically announced that his impressive gelding, “in full force and excellent form” as he put it himself, was back at work. The French rider chose the CSI2* competition in Opglabbeek as the setting for this long-awaited return, focusing on preparation for the upcoming indoor season.
Cayman Jolly Jumper, a 12-year-old son of Hickstead, experienced a turbulent year. After a long break between July 2023 and January 2024, caused by symptoms of Lyme disease, he came back strongly in the spring, taking a stunning second place at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Ramatuelle. His season suffered another setback, however, when he was unable to compete in the CSIO5* in Rotterdam at the end of June due to a slight knee injury. This also meant he was taken out of the selection for the Olympics, a major setback for Delestre, who had considered Cayman his first choice for Paris 2024.
After a period of recovery, Delestre gave an update in early November that Cayman was returning to work, but it was still unclear when he would return to competition. That time has since arrived, with their participation last week at Sentower Park. On Thursday, Cayman proved his form by staying clear in a 1.30m class, while on Saturday he scored just four penalties in a two-phase test at 1.45m.
In addition to Cayman, Delestre also brought Acatitla and Golden Boy DK to Opglabbeek, both of whom were already successful in their respective classes.
Cayman Jolly Jumper, a 12-year-old son of Hickstead, experienced a turbulent year. After a long break between July 2023 and January 2024, caused by symptoms of Lyme disease, he came back strongly in the spring, taking a stunning second place at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Ramatuelle. His season suffered another setback, however, when he was unable to compete in the CSIO5* in Rotterdam at the end of June due to a slight knee injury. This also meant he was taken out of the selection for the Olympics, a major setback for Delestre, who had considered Cayman his first choice for Paris 2024.
After a period of recovery, Delestre gave an update in early November that Cayman was returning to work, but it was still unclear when he would return to competition. That time has since arrived, with their participation last week at Sentower Park. On Thursday, Cayman proved his form by staying clear in a 1.30m class, while on Saturday he scored just four penalties in a two-phase test at 1.45m.
In addition to Cayman, Delestre also brought Acatitla and Golden Boy DK to Opglabbeek, both of whom were already successful in their respective classes.