Gregory Wathelet secured an impressive victory in Friday’s CSIO5* Prix HUS Reproduction at La Baule. Riding the BWP mare Romance van de Padenborre, the Belgian rider produced the fastest clear round in the 1.45m speed class, finishing ahead of a strong international field that included Henrik von Eckermann and Abdulrahman Alrajhi.
A blistering round in 56.21 seconds proved unbeatable for Gregory Wathelet and Romance van de Padenborre (Iron Man van de Padenborre). The Belgian combination set the pace early on and maintained their advantage throughout the competition, ultimately claiming victory in the five-star class.
Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann came closest to challenging the winning time. In the saddle of Glamour Girl (VDL Zirocco Blue), the world-class rider delivered a faultless effort in 57.82 seconds, securing runner-up honours. Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Alrajhi guided Kandide Chavannaise (Cicero Z van Paemel) to third place after stopping the clock in 58.46 seconds, also on a clear score.
Just outside the podium, Great Britain’s Joseph Stockdale partnered Ebanking (Etoulon) to a faultless round in exactly 60.00 seconds, earning fourth place. France’s Nicolas Layec completed the top five aboard Hatlantika (Best of Iscla), crossing the finish line clear in 60.21 seconds.
