This 19th edition of the « Grand Complet », the 5th organized here at the Haras du Pin in the heart of Normandy, embodied a recovery after a year off due to the WEG last year. For the association Ustica, it was about to find the impetus again of the 2013 edition, which had been a real success, both on sport and popular sides. This goal has been reached. On sport side, the modification of the schedule (the CIC1* replaced by a CCI1*, and the addition of a CCI3*) allowed to gather new riders and horses from 15 nations. The participation of most of the French team members (Nicolas Touzaint, Cédric Lyard, Astier Nicolas, Arnaud Boiteau, Rodolphe Scherer, etc.) and some international stars such as Andrew Hoy) confirmed the place of the event in the international calendar. On the organization side, 144 volunteers helped to make it a success. The show welcomed 300 horses and more than 9'000 spectators during 1 week that means the Grand Complet is on the right way to recapture its status of one of the best international eventing show. "We are really satisfied with this edition" said Valérie Moulin, president of the OC. "We have of course to improve some crucial aspects for the future. But the trust of the communities and sponsors which support us encourage us to offer new activities and go on the development of our sport programme." All eventing supporters can already book the month of August 2016 for the 20th anniversary! CCI3* Low Normandy Council Trophy: Andrew Hoy (AUS) all alone Even if they were only three left before the show jumping phase, this victory in the major class of the weekend requested holding direction till the end. That's what the 3 times Olympic Champion Andrew Hoy did. The Australian riding the grey Algebra took the liberty to put one rail down, leaving him "only" 14.7 points ahead of Cédric Lyard (FRA) on his effusive Rejane de de Grasset who threw 2 fences down. The Belgian Chloe Raty completed the podium of this very first CCI3* organized in Le Pin. CIC3* Orne Council Trophy: Andrew Hoy (AUS) ensures his leadership He has definitely been the hero of the weekend. Riding Rutherglen, who was preparing Burghley (GBR), Andrew Hoy (AUS) flew over the difficulties, crossing the finish line with 3" ahead of the ideal time. Even if she went through the line with 3" too many, Swiss Patrizia Attinger kept her 2nd place. The four first ranks of yesterday remained unchanged, and Aurélie Gomez (FRA) had to withdraw during the cross country. What meant one place up for all her followers. 7 nations compose the top 10 of this CIC3* (Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, France, Sweden, Finland). CIC2* IFCE Trophy: Stefano Fioravanti (ITA) finally resisted! The Italian rider had no choice. He had to do a clear round today to win this class. Only one rail down and he was relegated to the 2nd place. In fact, Cédric Lyard (FRA), thanks to his clear round on Cadeau du Roi, put the pressure on Stefano. His horse Nodin d'Orval, bred here in Normandy (!) showed a little slow-down in the middle of the course but its rider find the motivation to pull him to the end on a clear score. Cédric Lyard (FRA) finishes 2nd ahead of Alexis Bonnard (FRA). Leader after the dressage, Anna Siemer (GER) gets a good 4th place, just in front of Laura Collett (GBR) who ranked her two mounts (5th and 7th). The reaction of Andrew Hoy (AUS), winner of the CCI3* & CIC3* « It has been a good weekend for me. I wanted to prepare Rutherglen for Burghley CCI4*. He did a great performance, with a good dressage test, and he kept his dressage score till the end. I didn't know what to expect from the cross country. The first phase was tough, and I think It was a good training 2 weeks before Burghley. Algebra is a real rock star. It's his 2nd victory this season in a CCI3* after Montelibretti (ITA) earlier this year. He's well experienced but I only ride him since this season. Nathalie Blundell (AUS) was used to ride him and did a fantastic job to bring him from a race horse to a 4* horse. I only take advantage of it. During the prize giving ceremony, I asked to my groom to stay with me because without good people around you, you can never succeed. I kept the owners of Algera informed of his performances, they're delighted. For me, success is wonderful but I always feel alone if I don't think about all the people who helped me to be what I am today. I really liked the cross country course of the CCI3*. It's rolling country. From the course designer's perspective, there are so many opportunities to design and create a very interesting course. From a rider's perspective, you have to really know your horse to when you can run, when you can be quiet. The first water was a 4* question, as well as the last water. It wouldn't have been out of place in a 4* competition. The ground this weekend was just perfect. Now you have this sand arena here for jumping. The horses jumped fantastic in there. The show jumping course designer did a very good job. It's a very young event (in Le Pin, since 2010). I know in time you will have many more riders and horses here, because there are very good surfaces for dressage, show jumping, you can add grandstands to make a stadium...there is so much potential here! I think with the WEG last year with not perfect weather conditions, there are people, horses and combinations who thought, when they looked on the calendar and saw "Haras du Pin", "no we don't go". This year creates a very good feeling for a very good event."
