Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann opened the CSI5* action at the Jumping International de Dinard with a victory in Thursday’s 1.45m Two-Phase competition. Riding the 13-year-old KWPN mare Glamour Girl (by VDL Zirocco Blue), the world number one delivered the fastest double-clear round of the class.
Crossing the finish line in a time of 32.63 seconds in the second phase, Von Eckermann secured the top spot comfortably ahead of the field. Second place went to Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf, who stopped the clock at 33.28 seconds aboard the Zangersheide mare Extasia Bella by Classic Z (by Emerald).
Belgium’s Gudrun Patteet completed the podium in third place. Partnering with the 9-year-old Zangersheide mare Sea Coast Chica V.V. Z (by Comme il Faut 5), Patteet posted a clean effort in 34.28 seconds.
Former Olympic champion Steve Guerdat (SUI) guided Hadj de Bliniere into fourth place with a time of 34.40 seconds, closely followed by France’s Alexa Ferrer riding Hastoria Bo Regard in fifth (34.55 seconds).
"Dinard has always been a lucky show for us, explains today’s winner. Glamour Girl seems to love this venue, as she wins a class here every year! Starting near the end of today's class was definitely an advantage, and she made the most of it. She's 15 years old now, but she still walks into the ring with the enthusiasm of a five-year-old. With this win, she has now reached 52 career victories, which is simply incredible. Having her owner here this week makes it even more special, so I'm really happy. Tomorrow she'll jump the 1.45m class. She's naturally very fast, which allows me to save my other horse, Qasirah, for the week's major competitions: the Prix Marc & Co and Sunday's Grand Prix."
