Alexandra Francart continued her super form at the CSI3* show in Vichy yesterday,winning the 1.50 Grand Prix qualifier on Red Star d'Argent (Quick Star). It has definitely been Francart's weekend; the French rider was twice fourth on Friday, clear with her two 7 years old horses on Saturday, second in Saturday's speed class – and then she managed to win the big class of the day against 61 competitors. Belgium's Koen Vereecke ended second riding Fetard de la Pomme (Querlybet Hero x Nabab de Reve), and Italy's Simone Coata with Whycoconah (Kashmir van't Schuttershof x Heartbreaker) was third.
"I have been riding Red Star d'Argent since he was 4 years old," said the rider. Qualified for the SHF 5 year old final, the son of the world famous French stallion Quick Star has indeed done all his training under the saddle of his rider & owner. "He participated in the SHF 6 year old final, and was ranked 7th in the Grand Criterium," said Francart. "I missed the 7 year old horses' championship even though he was among the best 7 year olds in France. Then at 8 years old, he started his season in the 1.40 classes where he won several times. This year, he started the national Grand Prix smoothly. He supports me well on the Grand National circuit even if it is not quite the height (1.55 m, ed.) ".
"As he belongs to me, I can prepare him at his own pace. Whenever I ask him a difficulty, he answers quite easily," Francard reflected. Delighted with her partner, Alexandra still prefers her mare Quelstar du Vic Bihl, to participate in the Grand Prix of the City of Vichy. "If it does not rain, the Grand Prix may be quite big, and I feel that she is more ready."