In the French seaside town of La Baule, the 1.45m fences were set this morning on the grass arena for the CSIO5* class. This competition was run directly against the clock. Ultimately, Stephan De Freitas Barcha claimed victory with the 12-year-old Selle Français mare, Dirka Imperio Egipcio (formerly Dirka de Blondel).
Stephan De Freitas Barcha sped to victory this morning in the 1.45m CSIO5* class. Riding Dirka Imperio Egipcio (by Very Berlin de Castel), the pair crossed the finish line in 57.09 seconds, staying more than a second ahead of Emilio Bicocchi, who placed second with the SF mare Hemerald d'Argonne (by Emerald van 't Ruytershof). Local favorite Roger-Yves Bost completed the podium.
The Frenchman guided Embassy du Chateau (by Jarnac) to third place. "Bosty" and his 11-year-old SF gelding edged out fellow countryman Olivier Perreau, who finished fourth with Himalaya du Temple (by Toulon).
Henrik von Eckermann secured fifth place with his 14-year-old KWPN mare Glamour Girl (by VDL Zirocco Blue).
