She was the favourite for the class, and she did not disappoint. It was no surprise to see the British rider Charlotte Lottie-Fry, the Dressage world champion, world number 1 and the headline rider of this first CDI 5* class at the Printemps des Sports Equestres in Fontainebleau, win the Grand Prix Devoucoux, on her star stallion Glamourdale. With a score of 79.935, she was almost five points ahead of the German rider Dorothee Schneider, the reigning Olympic team champion, riding First Romance 2 (75.000). Spain's Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo on Euclides Mor was third with an average of 73.696. The best-ranked French rider was Corentin Pottier, riding Gotilas du Feuillard, who finished in fifth place after a fine routine, with a score of 72.522.
“Glamourdale felt amazing in there today! He was really happy to be here (smiles). It’s the first outdoor of the season and his first outing since the World Cup in s-Hertogenbosch just over a month ago. So, he was just really happy to be here and he gave me a really great feeling."
"Sure, we had a mistake in the two tempis, which is quite unusual for us, but it was my mistake, so I can’t blame him for that! Everything else is just getting better all the time. It was amazing, for me to see how excited he was to be here and how much he enjoyed it ; we both enjoyed it. I’m really excited for the Grand Prix Freestyle tomorrow. It’s a huge arena and there is a lot of atmosphere in the arena. I think there will be a bigger crowd tomorrow and Glamourdale likes it when there is a big crowd and he loves the music. So, yeah, it’s exciting, I’m really excited."
"This CDI 5* at the Printemps des Sports Équestres is our first outdoor since riding in Herning, last summer. The venue has been really good, the can walk outside and it’s very sandy. I must say there are a lot of show jumpers everywhere so we have to be strong for the dressage riders (laughs). But, yeah, it’s a super nice venue and very friendly organisation, it’s great. I chose to start the season with Glamourdale at this event for several reasons, but I guess the fact that Fontainebleau will be a venue for the Olympic games next year in Paris was one of the reasons. We thought this would be the perfect preparation and, of course, Glamourdale and myself are already looking towards Paris next year.”
Source: Press Release
Photo©: PVS - J.Morel