Talent parades at Megève!
Press release Megéve – The 6th edition of the Jumping de Megève – Edmond de Rothschild, which commenced on Tuesday July the 12th, is well under way, but it was unfortunately under cloudy sky that this third day opened, first day of the three stars event. As the only horse show in the French Alps it attracts a stronger field each year, and it wasn’t the drops of rain that put at end to the great sporting and festive atmosphere of the competition on this July 14th. After two days dedicated to national Pro and Amateur classes, it’s now a firework like explosion of top level classes which are announced until Sunday, and from tomorrow onwards, under the sun !
This Thursday started with the Prix du Village des Exposants, standing at 1m35 and designed by Frédéric Cottier, it was already technically demanding and fast, comprised from two combinations and tight lines that needed precise riding. Numerous were the riders who took advantage of a morning schooling round, like Pius Schwizer, 1 time fault with PSG Future, and Julien Anquetin, Daniel Etter, Constant van Paesschen, to name but a few, who returned to the stables after a few stylish jumps. Robert Breul, 19th to go with Soprano de Tillen, took and held onto the pole position for a certain time, but was pushed out by competitors in the second half of the start list to finally finish 5th. Fast and clear, Swiss Céline Stauffer/Cyrano du Chêne CH (3rd in 63’’75) and Gregory Cottard/Une Futée de Wy (2nd in 63’’43) didn’t manage to stop Julien Gonin the eventual winner riding the aptly named Well Done in 62’’48.
In the Trendy Horse 1m40 speed class, Robert Breul had truly decided to show other competitors the way by taking the lead. Already 5th in the previous class, the number 12 to go with Ragazza du Forezan stopped the clock at 65”05. But it was without counting on the winner of the previous class, Julien Gonin, who on his habitual great form here at Mègeve– he won three classes in 2015 –, taking the top slot with Gigolo v/d Molendreef in 63’’29. Known for always riding a fast line, Harold Boisset and Tara de Bacon didn’t manage to catch him (65’’45) and finished 3rd, in front of Pius Schwizer and Askaria 3.
The Prix BMW standing at 1m45m, was the meeting point for the best international riders as it allowed the first placed 25 to qualify for the big class on Sunday. It was necessary to wait until the number 14 on the start list, the young and talented Adeline Hécart before the key to the 12 jump, 15 effort course was found. Strides to calculate, a wide parallel as an entrance to a treble, and a winding end to the course, were the difficulties that the pilots and their mounts had to unravel. Out of the 83 starters only 19 managed, and the class finally saw Gregory Cottard/Pepyt’Des Elfs, Harold Boisset/T’Obetty du Domaine, both already placed this morning and the Colombien Daniel Bluman/Believe climbing onto the podium.
The end of the afternoon was reserved for 1* star riders with two classes on offer, the Prix ED Relocation – Services a special two phase standing at 1m15 and the speed class, Prix Boan Immobilier at 1m25. Anne-Sophie Cheynet/Puce d’Enocq and Jessica Arene/Rolex du Lavoir respectively imposing themselves.
A well filled day and already lots of excitement, so setting the tone before a public who have already made a rendezvous with the other highlights of the event, under the unwavering dynamic impulsion of the Megève en Selle association: the 2nd qualifier for the Grand Prix, le Prix Domaine du Mont d’Arbois at 1m50, Friday at 12.15pm ; the Prix du Champion – Prix Jumpfax Friday at 7pm ; the spectacular six bar competition – Prix Dunoyer Saturday at 18h15 ; the Pro-Am team relay – Prix du Département de la Haute-Savoie Sunday at 1pm ; and finally the Grand Prix de Megève – Edmond de Rothschild Sunday at 2.30pm.
> LIVE coverage of classes
> Start list and results
Source: Press release Megéve
