Michel Hécart (FRA) / Nokia de Brekka, winners of the Derby of La Baule in 2014 (photo: PSV Jean Morel).
The Derby of La Baule is part of equestrian sports heritage, especially because it is registered at the prestigious “Officiel de France” (CSIO 5*). An outdoor jumping event, the Derby has a particular place in the heart of local public. Last year’s ovation was made to Michel Hécart (Nokia de Brekka), who won this competition for the 3rd time (2014, 2008, and 2006).
Over the years, while the Derbies are increasingly rare, the city of La Baule and the Jumping organizing committee perpetuate this legendary competition. Besides the grass arena upgrades, the Derby of La Baule can also count on the support of Laiterie de Montaigu, new 2015 partner, alongside the Pays de la Loire region, a support which allows offers of the highest prize money for this kind of test.
Frédéric Cottier, Course designer:
“Nowadays, integrated at the CSIO 5* of France, the Derby is one of the 3 most famous competitions (with the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup and the Grand Prix Longines of La Baule). It is impossible for riders to compete with their Grand Prix or Nations Cup horses; they need a second fast horse, which is also able to run on a double distance course. It is not a simple speed competition; it is a hard course for the couples, an attractive competition for the public, with important prize money. We must remember that in a CSIO 5*, the number of riders is limited and only a few of them have horses able to run that kind of test. The Derby is an exceptional moment.”
Patrick Caron, Sport director:
“La Baule has a worldwide specificity: it is its Derby. Each country can only have one CSIO 5* per year, and no other CSIO 5* all over the world has a Derby in its sport program. Therefore, the Longines Jumping International of La Baule is the only Show Jumping event to maintain this legendary test. We had to adapt to more modern sport horses, lighters, and warm blood horses. This is why, with the city, we work on a 4 year amelioration plan. We modified natural obstacles to give the best safety and comfort conditions for horses and riders. These innovations serve our sport. The implementation of mini-Derbies allows us to democratize these legendary competitions.”
Derby Laiterie de Montaigu of the Pays de la Loire Region:
Saturday 16th May 2015, at 2.15 P.M.
Distance about 1 100m, 21-22 obstacles (mixed between natural and classical obstacles), 61 500 euros of prize money.
Information and accreditation form: www.labaule-cheval.com
FRENCH TV AND PRESS CONTACT: Véronique GAUTHIER / Agence Consulis – veronique-gauthier@club-internet.fr – +33 672 770 600
INTERNATIONAL TV: Bruno OPPENHEIM / O.I.C – bruno.oppenheim@wanadoo.fr – +33 614 422 795