Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) and Admara 2 claimed a fantastic victory tonight in the CSI5* 1.50/55m feature class in Cascais, Estoril, making them ones to watch in Saturday's pivotal Grand Prix - round nine in the 2015 Championship. Second went to the superb Marco Kutscher (GER) who was just tenths of a second off the win and 3rd to Lauren Hough (USA) with her eye-catching gelding Cornet 39. As the sun faded with a stunning purple haze over the gorgeous arena in Portugal, the local crowd showed cheered in admiration after an exhilarating jump-off which saw riders from 18 different countries competing in the first round. The first day of high-calibre competitions took place against the sunny skies, with the backdrop of the spectacular Hipódromo Manuel Possolo in Cascais, Estoril setting the scene as riders took to the grass arena for the first time in competition. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and Egano van het Slogenhof were the first to claim honours, after a superb win in the CSI5* 1.45m seeing them flying high and starting the weekend in style. Abdullah Al Sharbatly (KSA) and Domingo took a close second place, with Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano and Cocoshynsky taking the third spot. The feature CSI5* of the day, presented by Mercedes-Benz Portugal, commenced as the floodlights lit up the beautiful grass arena, and VIPs dined in the luxurious hospitality with the perfect view of the course. 45 combinations took part in the 1.50 / 1.55m course designed by Frank Rothenberger to compete for a share of 153,000€ prize money. The time allowed caught a few out, but pushed the riders to showcase their speed and ability in the larger 110m x 70m arena which leant itself to a fast paced first round. The combination across the middle of the arena - a large, wide oxer in the middle of the combination - caused many problems. Of the 45 starters, 16 made it through to the jump off. First to go clear in the final round was Taizo Sugitani (JPN), who jumped a tidy and careful 43.29 with his bay 16 year old gelding Avenzio 3. With many riders taking chances, the fences tumbled, with the oxer at the end of the double causing the most challenges as the riders raced against the clock towards the final fences. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) was the next to fly clear, galloping to the fences with Eldorado van het Vijverhof putting in a brave and honest round, and finishing a full two seconds ahead. The jump-off rocked up a gear as Marco Kutscher (GER) took a fantastic cutting line back to the final oxer and brought it home in 38.39. Lauren Hough (USA) was next to follow with the unusually marked grey gelding Cornet 39 and finished a touch behind the leading time in 39.76. Constant Van Paesschen (BEL) made a valiant effort with Ralphy Utopia de Ransbeck riding a shorter stride 39.89 and finishing in fourth place overall. Second last to go, Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) showcased his incredible pace and talent with the sensational dark bay gelding, Admara 2. This was their first Tour since their success in Monaco a couple of weeks ago, where Emanuele won the Massimo Dutti CSI5* Trophy, and came third in the Monaco Grand Prix. Shaving vital seconds off the corners and showcasing true pace and bravery from his ten year old gelding, the fearless pair crossed the line in 38.24 to the delight of the roaring crowd.
