As tradition dictates, Saturday’s 1.50m Derby de La Baule – Demeures de Campagne drew a large crowd, and it was Steve Guerdat who rose to the occasion with a flawless performance aboard Easy Star de Talma
The Swiss Olympic champion and his 11-year-old Quick Star gelding were the only pair to leave all rails up, clinching the win in this challenging and prestigious class. "I just wanted to set a nice round. Obviously I was the last one at the start, so I knew a clear round would bring me the win. I have the feeling I didn't deserve the win, but my horse did for sure!"
French rider Nicolas Layec, piloting Georgio Louvo Z (by George), posted a faster time than Guerdat but had to settle for second after incurring one jumping fault.
Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza claimed third place with Disa DM 42 (by Diarado), while home favorite Olivier Robert finished just off the podium in fourth aboard Eyria Ste Hermelle (by Upercut Kervec).
Germany’s Richard Vogel completed the top five with Erevan de Flusel (by Mylord Carthago).
