This year, the prestigious CSIO5* 1.60m Rolex Grand Prix of La Baule once again delivered top-tier equestrian sport of the highest caliber. With a select field at the start, the course proved to be a massive challenge. Only seven combinations managed to keep a clean sheet in the initial round and advance to the jump-off.
Following a thrilling climax, the victory went to Italy's Piergiorgio Bucci aboard the 13-year-old gelding Hantano (by Quasimodo Z x Waranka by Numero Uno). As one of the few double-clears, he crossed the finish line in 40.61 seconds, a fantastic success for breeder N.G.M. Saantvort.
Top Swiss rider Martin Fuchs had to settle for a close second place. He also guided the Holsteiner gelding Conner Jei (by Connor 48 x Verona S by Cosimo; bred by Gerhard Stamer) to a clear round, but was just slightly slower at 41.03 seconds.
The podium was completed by French speed specialist Julien Epaillard. Riding the approved stallion Fringan de Vesquerie (by Mylord Carthago HN x Ulane de Vesquerie by Diamant de Semilly), he clocked the absolute fastest time of 38.78 seconds, but paid the price with a jumping fault. Despite this, French breeder G.A.E.C. de la Vesquerie can be proud of this podium finish.
The pair was followed by Cian O'Connor and Chatolinue PS (Chacco Lover), while BErtram Allen and Qonquest de Rigo (Fantomas de Muze) completed the top five!
