On day one of the new Knokke Hippique a total of nine prices were given, four of them for the hosting country, Belgium, another four for France and one victory coloured Swedish. However it is thight between the Belgians and 'les Bleus', it was France that scored the big win. Julien Epaillard rode to victory in the CSI5* Grand Prix qualifier. Set at a height of 1.50m, Epaillard and the 11 year old Cristallo A L M (by Casall) finished their speed course in 54.76 seconds. Last month the pair already won the 1.50m international class in their own country.
Marco Zanotelli and Rock 'n Roll Semilly followed in a second place after finishing in 57.11 seconds. Switzerland finished third and fourth thank so Olympic Champion, Steve Guerdat (Kavalier) and Janika Sprunger (Bonne Chance CW). The top five was completed by Katharina Offel and Charlie. Of the 52 starters a total of 12 horse-rider combinations finished faultless.
