Olivier Robert opens the ball!
Press Release CSI 5* Versailles – We could not dream of a better day to inaugurate this new Jumping International du château de Versailles. In the majestic setting of the Grande Écurie du roi, where the best showjumping riders and horses in the world have gathered to live great sport and emotions with the public, the magic happened. In front of the beautiful castle, Olivier Robert sounded the Marseillaise in the Prix Del Monte, with Eros.
The day had already well started on the victory of Rodrigo Pessoa, Rolex and show ambassador, in the Prix French Tour – Generali. Paired with Status, his 13 y-old Hanoverian gelding, he secured the lead by a second over a sport legend, Great-Britain John Whitaker, 61, still competitive, and France Olivier Guillon who made his return at this level of competition.
France Olivier Robert dominated the first class at night of the week-end, the Prix Del Monte, and signed the best time in front of his happy own crowd. Winner last week in the CSI3* of Maubeuge (France), the pair confirmed its great form in a class first overpowered by Italy Lorenzo De Luca then Belgium Gudrun Patteet. Penultimate to go, the French was not one expected for the victory, as the arena seemed a bit tricky for his 13 y-old BWP: “the arena is small and clearly not a piece of cake for him. Yet, he seemed at ease at the end. He is experienced, it’s his twelfth participation in a 5* and beside a foot in the river in Royan, he went twelfth times clear. He surprises me every time, and I’m very happy!”
After an interlude by the Académie équestre nationale de Versailles, the French rider entered the prize giving ceremony alongside three of the four team gold Olympic of Rio: Pénélope Leprevost, Philippe Rozier and Kevin Staut. But Olivier Robert was particularly moved to share this ceremony with one his idols, Germany Christian Ahlmann (7th): “I was congratulated by my idol! I had a poster of Christian in my bedroom”.
An excellent start for this new Jumping International du château de Versailles with a large crowd, “a crazy atmosphere” said the king of the day and a marvelous setting. This first day set the tone for the rest of the competition. Two rendezvous not to be missed, the Grand Prix de la Ville de Versailles, on Saturday at 8:15pm (local time) and the Grand Prix Rolex, Sunday at 4pm (local time).
Results – Friday 5.5.2017:
Prix Del Monte – 1,50m
1. Olivier ROBERT (FRA) – EROS 0/62.93
2. Gudrun PATTEET (BEL) – SEA COAST FERLY 0/63.15
3. Harrie SMOLDERS (NED) – ZINIUS 0/64.14
4. Maikel VAN DER VLEUTEN (NED) – VDL GROEP QUATRO 0/64.62
5. Penelope LEPREVOST (FRA) – URANO DE CARTIGNY 0/66.85
6. Philippe ROZIER (FRA) – REVEUR DE KERGANE 0/67.02
7. Christian AHLMANN (GER) – FIXDESIGN FUNKE VAN ‚T HEIKE 0/67.94
8. Kevin STAUT (FRA) – SILVER DEUX DE VIRTON H D C 0/68.20
9. Daniel DEUSSER (GER) – HIDALGO SX 0/69.16
10. Karen POLLE (JPN) – WITH WINGS 0/69.55
11. Lorenzo DE LUCA (ITA) – JEUNESSE VAN T PARADIJS 0/69.60
12. Jessica SPRINGSTEEN (USA) – DAVENDY S 4/60.55
Full Result
Starts and Results »
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Source: Press Release R&B Press
