By Jean Llewellyn (press release)
Photography: © Stefano Secchi
Selle Français, Danish Warmblood, and Oldenburg International studbooks hoist the trophy on the final day of the WBFSH Studbooks Jumping Global Champions Trophy, which took place in the Longines Top International Arena, Valkenswaard, during the last weekend in September.
The world’s top studbooks went head to head during the second edition of the WBFSH Studbooks Jumping Global Champions Trophy in Valkenswaard, to see who would emerge victorious in the five-, six-, and seven-year-old finals.
Selle Français six-year-olds deliver
Fresh from their back-to-back wins on day three, the Selle Français team entered the arena with high spirits for the six-year-old 1m35 final. First to go for the team was Arthur Le Vot and Isis de B’Neville (By Ceira d’Ick x Idem de B’Neville HN), and although their round started well, two rails put the pressure on teammates Valentin Pacaud and Reynald Angot. Both would have to ride clear in order to take the lead. Pacaud and Irreelle de Talma (By Ceira d'Ick x Quaprice Bois Margot) set off at a determined pace and the crowd erupted when they crossed the line clear, with one rider to go.
Seasoned international Reynald Angot riding Iliade de Beaufour (Untouchable GFE x Cassini I) knew that another win for Selle Français was within reach, but nothing less than a clear round would win the trophy. It was an edge-of-their-seats round for the packed crowd as the pair flew around the course and soared over the finish line to deliver a second clear for Selle Français. With their unbelievable performance, Selle Français jumped into the lead overtaking the KWPN.
According to French team manager Franck Schillewaert, “It was not a surprise. You need chance, good riders, good horses, and you need a little prayer.” Looking forward to the two remaining age-group finals, he continued by saying; “It’s not finished. Normally we have a chance… but the sport is a sport.”
Zangersheide takes up the challenge
Looking for a podium finish, first in the Zangersheide studbook team was Gianni Govoni and Crosby ter Doorn Z (Comme il faut x Kentucky ter Doorn), who cruised around the course for just four jumping faults, but also an unfortunate time penalty. Next to go, Tabitha Kyle with Sing Z (Copycat Z x Contact van de Heffinck) delivered a smoothly effortless, which also posted a fast clear round. Anchorman for the team was Wim Vinckx riding Vivace vd Kattevennen Z (Vivaldi du Seigneur x Cassini I) who delivered a strong round, but at the expense of four faults... To read the complete article you need to be a subscriber
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