There was high tension in the 1.60m CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix of La Baule. With four clear rounds in the jump-off, Daniel Deusser recorded the fastest time. Deusser jumped to victory aboard his 11-year-old Otello de Guldenboom (by Tobago Z)! "My advantage today was that I was the last one to start. Otello wins his first CSI5* Grand Prix today and that makes the team proud, so this is a real positive and great day!"
Deusser and the 11-year-old BWP stallion, bred by Hugo Versnick, claimed victory with a time of 37.22 seconds. The pair delivered a powerful performance in the jump-off, finishing over a second faster than Rene Lopez Lizarazo and Londina (by London). McLain Ward secured a spot in the international top three.
McLain rode the KWPN gelding Imperial HBF (by Glasgow van 't Merelsnest) to third place. "Imperial is a relatively new horse for me. First I like to express my gratitude to Rolex who has raised the level in our sport. With Imperial I look forward to the future as it is a phenomenal horse who is produced superb." Also clear, Pedro Veniss followed in fourth place aboard Nimrod De Muze Imperio Egipcio (by Nabab de Rêve).
Riding Hello Folie (by Luidam), Scott Brash completed the top five. The best Belgian result came from Gregory Wathelet. Aboard Bond Jamesbond de Hay (by Diamant de Semilly), Wathelet still managed to grab a prize, finishing in 12th place.
“La Baule is truly a fantastic competition,” said Deusser afterward. “The arena is unique, and riding on grass is always something special. Big kudos to the organizers, who always go above and beyond to create a beautiful event. A nice bonus is the beach nearby, which helps the horses clear their minds!”
