The picturesque town of Deauville, France, was the setting for an electrifying display of equestrian prowess as the CSI4* Grand Prix Longines de la Région Normandie unfolded. A riveting showdown of top-tier riders and their magnificent equine partners captivated spectators had Mariano Martinez Bastida and Belano vd Wijnhoeve Z on first place.
The competition reached its climax with Mariano Martinez Bastida of Spain emerging as the undisputed champion aboard his exceptional mount, Belano vd Wijnhoeve Z. The 14-year-old bay gelding, a striking product of the Berlin-Darco lineage, demonstrated a seamless partnership with Bastida throughout the event.
The duo's stellar performance commenced with an impeccable round in the initial stage, executed flawlessly in 71.94 seconds. This established them as strong contenders right from the outset. However, the climax of their performance came during the jump-off, where precision and speed were paramount. Bastida's masterful riding guided Belano vd Wijnhoeve Z through the intricate course with unparalleled finesse, crossing the finish line in an astonishing 39.98 seconds, securing the top position on the podium.
Laura Kraut of the United States exhibited her own exceptional partnership with the 16-year-old grey gelding, Confu. Their impeccable teamwork and coordination earned them a well-deserved second place. Kraut's careful riding led to a faultless round in the initial stage, clocking in at 72.55 seconds. In the jump-off, their finesse and agility were once again on display as they maneuvered the course faultlessly in 41.23 seconds.
Alexandr Imschenetzky from Chile also left an indelible mark on the competition, piloting the 11-year-old grey Holsteiner, Caspaccio, with remarkable skill. The pairing's synchronicity was evident as they navigated the challenging course with precision, securing a clear round in 72.17 seconds during the first stage. In the jump-off, Imschenetzky's calculated riding earned them a clear round in 44.15 seconds, clinching the third spot on the podium.
Julien Anquetin of France showcased his mettle aboard the 17-year-old bay gelding, Gravity of Greenhill. The duo's chemistry was undeniable as they completed the initial round faultlessly in 71.01 seconds. A minor setback of 4 faults during the jump-off didn't deter Anquetin's resolve, and their swift completion in 40.09 seconds earned them the fourth position.
Representing Switzerland, Timo Heiniger displayed his prowess aboard the 9-year-old bay gelding, Don. Their agility and speed were evident in a quick round during the initial stage, completed in 70.86 seconds. Despite a slight stumble resulting in 4 faults during the jump-off, their determination led to a time of 40.97 seconds, securing the fifth spot.
F ©: Grand Prix Events / Pixels Events - Cecile Sablayrolles