Jan Tops, Founder and President Longines Global Champions Tour: “It’s seven years we have been coming to Chantilly, it’s a great partnership here with Gérard. Even with these weather conditions we were able to have great sport this afternoon. Everything is very close - in the class, the first four or five are within half a second of each other which shows how much the precision counts, how the turns are so important - even if the field is big. German are very dominant, and Christian is still in a very comfortable position - even if Ludger wins the next one [Christian] will still be in the lead. On the other hand, Ludger has had two great results - he won in Hamburg and he’s won here again, so I think it will be exciting until the end.”
Gérard Manzinali, President Jumping Chantilly: “Everything was perfect except the weather conditions! On Monday we were prepared to cancel, however the ground was good and with the great work from all the team it was able to happen. It is a great place and a great set up, and congratulations to the great winner, Ludger Beerbaum.”
Ludger Beerbaum: LGCT Grand Prix of Chantilly Gold Medallist: “I saw Daniel [Deusser’s] round and it gave me the right kick. I think he really went for it, leaving one stride out. I wasn’t really sure if I should go for it also at that point - I jumped the double and went for it, saw the five and put in six, so thought "**** I have to get going!” I spun back to the vertical, hoping there was a stride, and luckily there was one, so I think I made it on that turn. I’m really happy I have the opportunity to ride [Chiara] - she’s a horse I can really rely on. She’s fast, it’s only our second CSI5* win and she’s only jumped three, so I’m really pleased. I’m also pleased with my overall standing position; of the seven legs, I’ve only competed in four. One in Shanghai, I was clear in the first round but couldn’t go in the second as Chaman didn’t feel right. Originally the plan was to go to Madrid, however I had to cancel due to Chaman’s breeding schedule. This was also the reason I didn’t go to Miami and Mexico - I suffered a bit watching from home via GCT TV, and watching them go! For the moment with the four results I think I can be really pleased. At the very end only the seven best [results] count, so I still have some hope.”
Daniel Deusser, LGCT Grand Prix of Chantilly Silver Medallist: “My strategy was absolutely to try my best to win today. I knew that I didn’t have the naturally fastest horse, so I decided to try and do five strides to the combination, which I think no one else could do afterwards. Still at the end it was just not enough, but nevertheless I was very happy with the way he jumped the three rounds today, and I’m going to try again!"
Daniel Bluman, LGCT Grand Prix of Chantilly Bronze Medallist: “It feels good [to be on the podium again]. I always say the first time is beginner’s luck, with my first podium in Hamburg, but twice on the podium means we’re doing one or two things right so we’re feeling really good. Being part of the Global Champions Tour definitely makes you a better rider, just by seeing the best riders in the world and the team’s work. I’m delighted to be here today.”
Christian Ahlmann, LGCT Ranking leader: “I can feel [Ludger’s] breath already! Today was not our best day as we didn’t make the second round. My overall position is good for the moment, but it’s also maybe time to take the reins a little bit shorter and ride clear again!"
Jan Tops, Founder and President Longines Global Champions Tour: “It’s seven years we have been coming to Chantilly, it’s a great partnership here with Gérard. Even with these weather conditions we were able to have great sport this afternoon. Everything is very close - in the class, the first four or five are within half a second of each other which shows how much the precision counts, how the turns are so important - even if the field is big. German are very dominant, and Christian is still in a very comfortable position - even if Ludger wins the next one [Christian] will still be in the lead. On the other hand, Ludger has had two great results - he won in Hamburg and he’s won here again, so I think it will be exciting until the end.”
Gérard Manzinali, President Jumping Chantilly: “Everything was perfect except the weather conditions! On Monday we were prepared to cancel, however the ground was good and with the great work from all the team it was able to happen. It is a great place and a great set up, and congratulations to the great winner, Ludger Beerbaum.”
Ludger Beerbaum: LGCT Grand Prix of Chantilly Gold Medallist: “I saw Daniel [Deusser’s] round and it gave me the right kick. I think he really went for it, leaving one stride out. I wasn’t really sure if I should go for it also at that point - I jumped the double and went for it, saw the five and put in six, so thought "**** I have to get going!” I spun back to the vertical, hoping there was a stride, and luckily there was one, so I think I made it on that turn. I’m really happy I have the opportunity to ride [Chiara] - she’s a horse I can really rely on. She’s fast, it’s only our second CSI5* win and she’s only jumped three, so I’m really pleased. I’m also pleased with my overall standing position; of the seven legs, I’ve only competed in four. One in Shanghai, I was clear in the first round but couldn’t go in the second as Chaman didn’t feel right. Originally the plan was to go to Madrid, however I had to cancel due to Chaman’s breeding schedule. This was also the reason I didn’t go to Miami and Mexico - I suffered a bit watching from home via GCT TV, and watching them go! For the moment with the four results I think I can be really pleased. At the very end only the seven best [results] count, so I still have some hope.”
Daniel Deusser, LGCT Grand Prix of Chantilly Silver Medallist: “My strategy was absolutely to try my best to win today. I knew that I didn’t have the naturally fastest horse, so I decided to try and do five strides to the combination, which I think no one else could do afterwards. Still at the end it was just not enough, but nevertheless I was very happy with the way he jumped the three rounds today, and I’m going to try again!"
Daniel Bluman, LGCT Grand Prix of Chantilly Bronze Medallist: “It feels good [to be on the podium again]. I always say the first time is beginner’s luck, with my first podium in Hamburg, but twice on the podium means we’re doing one or two things right so we’re feeling really good. Being part of the Global Champions Tour definitely makes you a better rider, just by seeing the best riders in the world and the team’s work. I’m delighted to be here today.”
Christian Ahlmann, LGCT Ranking leader: “I can feel [Ludger’s] breath already! Today was not our best day as we didn’t make the second round. My overall position is good for the moment, but it’s also maybe time to take the reins a little bit shorter and ride clear again!"