Three Frenches on the podium and A second one for Karim Laghouag

Bordeaux is going so well with the Bleus ! After Patrice Delaveau at the beginning of the afternoon, the World Cup preparatory class has seen a new French victory tonight. But in order to win this class, that she has already carried off two years ago with the same Nice Stephanie, Pénélope Leprévost had to fight hard again her peers. At the end of the class, we have a total of three Frenches on the podium.

To defeat Kevin Staut and Elky van het Indihof *HDC as well as Roger-Yves Bost, a long time leader with Pégase du Mûrier, the Normande had a mare who « feels good in Bordeaux. Just like me, I have a good feeling here. All good then ? Seriously, all went just like I planed I had in mind. It was a long shot, I think Sergio (Moya) was faster. There were fault everywhere. Here in Bordeaux, the rounds are a bit different, it’s not that high, but the fences are lighter than in Zurich for example (last week), where the fences are bigger with heavier poles. Here, as soon as you hit a pole, it falls ». Already qualified for the Longines FEI World Cup final, Pénélope Leprévost will be less stress for the Bordeaux leg of tomorrow with a simple goal in mind : « to finish clear-round… I hope (laughs) » !

A second one for Karim Laghouag
To win such a unique class as the Devoucoux Indoor Derby is a real challenge. Winning it two years in a row is quite an achievement. In Bordeaux yesterday night, this feat was signed by the Eventing French team member Karim Laghouag with his faithful Punch de l’Esques, defeating Nicolas Touzaint (Lesbos) by seven and a half second ! A performance done in a thrilling atmosphere, in the white-hot Hall 3 full of the 6 800 seats. A capacity raised of 400 spots, but obviously still insufficient ! Karim Laghouag was all glee. A joy he has shown without restraint to this wonderful public : «  To win here two years in a row is simply amazing ! I have to say that this Indoor Derby really suits Punch de l’Esques. This year, the course was more technical than last year, with more showjumping obstacles that fall down. The first information we had after the firsts rounds was to be careful about those, avoid the faults by going slower. I rode for the clear-round… but I wanted to go fast ! »

Source: Press release