The spanish national anthem rang out proudly today at montenmedio, with wins by both Manuel Fernández Saro and Julio Àlvarez Moya

Press release – It was a great day for Spanish riders today at this the XXIII Sunshine Tour, as they took home wins in both the Big and Medium Tour, GP classes.

The afternoon Big GP, sponsored by La Lorenzana Butter, was the highlight of the whole week. The Spanish Olympic rider Manuel Fernández Saro riding Eliot, took first place in this FEI ranking class, with a field of 50 riders. In second place was the French rider Bernard Briand riding Qadillac Du Heup and in third was the British rider Lance Whitehouse with his mount, Vik II. The prize money for this class was 40,000 euros.

In the winner’s interview, Manuel Fernández Saro told us that he is really delighted with Eliot, who is now owned by José Larocca. He told us that they had decided to compete here at the Sunshine Tour to fully realise the potential of the horse and so far things were going very well. Manuel went on to tell us that Eliot is the best horse he has ever had the opportunity to jump and that he is delighted with the great quality of all of horses he now has in his stables. We wish him many more victories as the Tour progresses and over the coming season.

In the FEI Ranking, 1.45m, Big Tour C class, the Italian rider Filippo Tabarini with Gipsy Of Heritage, took the top of the podium. The Portuguese rider Duarte Romao with Utopie D’Bonneville, was second, and the Irish rider Billy Twomey with Tin Tin, took third.

In Big Tour B, British rider Chloe Winchester and Sheyenne 27 were the fastest pair, runners up were the Norwegian rider Marie Longem and Algorhythem and British rider Matthew Sampson with Ebolensky.

Matt also won the A2 class today with Perfect Rouge, the Chilean rider Bernardo Naveillan with Daisy Du Grand Moustie, was second and the Spanish rider Borja Bidón with Quick de Glainville was third.
Bernardo Naveillan was once again amongst the winners in the A1 class, this time on top spot with Tenor D’Elle. British riders Mark Armstrong with Balougio III, and Alison Barton with Billy Anna, took second and third.

In the morning’s Medium GP class, Julio Álvarez Moya was cheered on by local crowds in an exciting jump off on his horse G and C Quitador Rochelais. There were eight riders in the jump off and his time of 37.04 sec could not be beaten even though the Taiwanese rider, Isheau Wong riding Zadarijke V had the lead for a while with 37.47 sec. Greg Broderick from Ireland, riding Charmeur took third place. Swiss rider Laetitia Du Couëdic riding Cheyenne 111 Z was fourth and Kayleigh Watts with Winde, took fifth for GB

Medium Tour B was also won by a Spanish rider, David Uson with his mount, Lord Du Mont Milon.
Medium Tour A was won by Beechercon Loughnatousa riding Eric.

In the Small Tour, the British rider Jodie Burchmore-Eames with Casti Aneira, was the winner of the C class. Moroccan rider Mohamed Al Ahracha and África Capital Quanthar, won the B class. British rider Jake Ward and Frederick VII won the A class.

This concludes the first week of this CSI3* Sunshine Tour. Congratulations to all of this week’s winners. The Young Horse Classes begin again on Tuesday, 21st Feb. On Thursday 23rd, the first CSI4* begins with the ‘Big Class’ qualifier, for participation in the Big GP on Sunday, 26th Feb.

Tomorrow is a busy day despite there being no competitions; the show ground hosts the weekly vet check for all horses competing at the next show.

Source: press release