A Selective First Round Leads to a Lightning-Fast Jump-Off

Among the many top riders on the starting list, nine combinations comfortably met the challenge set in the opening round by French course designer Cédric Longis. Thirteen riders finished on four faults after a single rail, including Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, yesterday’s winner aboard Hermès GEM, and Britain’s John Whitaker with Cornets Olona.

The balance of the first round therefore proved just right for Cédric Longis.

First to go in the jump-off, Ireland’s Denis Lynch, winner of the previous class aboard Junius vd Heffinck Z, delivered another double clear round in 41.46 seconds. However, French rider Dylan Levallois immediately shaved more than three seconds off that time. Riding the fiery Hawaii Semilly, he crossed the finish line in a remarkable 38.25 seconds, a time that would remain unbeaten.

Neither Olivier Perreau aboard Léopard de Joanins Z (40.60) nor “Rocket Bosty”, Roger-Yves Bost, could catch him. Bost produced a quick round in 38.64 seconds aboard CastleForbes Gillian, securing an excellent second place. Ireland’s Mark McAuley completed his jump-off in 39.71 seconds with Clooney van Spalbeek Z, earning third place.

Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer and Global de Riverland also produced a double clear effort but were slightly slower in 40.48 seconds, taking fourth place.

French riders Sofian Misraoui and Pierre-Alain Mortier each had one rail down, finishing seventh and eighth respectively. Marie Demonte collected twelve faults and rounded out the jump-off field in ninth place.

Following this exciting class for the Mâcon spectators, the Jumping International de Mâcon Chaintré now turns its attention to tomorrow’s highlight of the weekend, the Grand Prix of the City of Mâcon, scheduled for 2:30 PM.

Reactions

Dylan Levallois (FRA) – Winner of the CSI4 Mon Carton de Vin 1.50m Prize*

"I’m delighted to win with Hawaii tonight. I’ve been riding her since she was seven years old. She’s a mare full of energy and character. It took us some time to become a real partnership, but right now she’s simply fantastic. She jumped her first 1.50m class only fifteen days ago in the Grand National. Today’s victory was not really expected, but I’m very happy. The first round suited her style perfectly, and the jump-off flowed nicely. She’s so talented and quick that I can really gallop everywhere. I had been here a few years ago for the French Young Riders Championships and then for the CSI3. I’m very happy to be back. Everything here is set up to do great work. It’s fantastic."*

Roger-Yves Bost (FRA) – Second in the CSI4 Mon Carton de Vin 1.50m Prize*

"It was a beautiful class and the jump-off flowed very well. I’m very happy with CastleForbes Gillian. Today was the first 1.50m class of her life and also her first class of the week. In fact, this was the only class she was planned to jump this week, so I had put all my focus on it. It turned out to be the right decision. This mare is out of Libertine and I’m sure she will continue to improve over the coming years. We’re so happy to be here. The venue is fantastic, the horses are looked after exceptionally well and today there was a great crowd. The spectators really got involved in the jump-off, which is always wonderful. Thank you!"

Mark McAuley (IRL) – Third in the CSI4 Mon Carton de Vin 1.50m Prize*

"I’m very pleased with Clooney van Spalbeek Z. He’s a young nine-year-old horse and is only just beginning to compete at this level. Yesterday he already made the jump-off. It was probably the first time in his life he had to really go fast, and today he finishes second," he laughed. "Maybe he’s not completely with me yet when it comes to winning, but I’m very happy with him. It was a great class!"