It was a historic day of absolute dominance for world number-seven Steve Guerdat at the legendary François André stadium. The Swiss maestro pulled off a breathtaking Saturday double, capturing both of the day's heavy-class features at the Jumping International de La Baule.
Before mastering the iconic CSIO5* Derby de La Baule in the afternoon, Guerdat kicked off his spectacular run earlier in the day by storming to victory in the prestigious CSIO5* Class 11 - Prix Saur.
Carrying immense momentum into the afternoon's crown jewel, Guerdat took center stage for the historic 1.50m Derby de La Baule.
Only three combinations managed to solve the track without dropping a single rail. Guerdat claimed his second victory of the day in spectacular fashion at the reins of Easy Star de Talma, a 12-year-old Selle Français stallion bred by Dr. Michel Guiot and owned by Jalal-Gaston Battikha. The stallion—sired by Quick Star out of Talma de Toscane (by Opium de Talma)—utilized his massive stride and scope to leave the wood up and cross the timers in a winning 129.73 seconds.
Hot on his heels was fellow Swiss superstar Martin Fuchs, who gave it everything but stopped the clock just tenths of a second slower at 130.54 seconds. Fuchs secured second place with Love de Vie, a 10-year-old KWPN mare bred by Van Triest and owned by Karin Bühler. The mare is by Grandorado TN out of Eau de Vie, a daughter of the famed world-champion producer Vigo d'Arsouilles.
Colombia’s Rene Lopez Lizarazo secured the final clear round of the day to take the third step on the podium in 136.43 seconds. He was piloting his ownstar, Visa de Vy Z, (Vleut out of For Fun de Hus Z (by For Hero de Hus)).
Germany’s Richard Vogel laid down the absolute fastest time of the entire class at a rapid 122.98 seconds with the Holstein gelding Chember 3 (Charleston x Sara IV by Quebec 19, bred by Lutz Dechau). However, a single costly rail pushed them down to fourth on a score of 4 faults. France's Nicolas Layec rounded out the top five with the Zangersheide gelding Georgio Louvo Z (George x Braise Louvo by Quintus D'09), matching Vogel's 4-fault score in 127.88 seconds.