Laura Renwick (GBR) and Rembrandt Blue. Photo: Pixels Events.
Unprecedented scenario for this edition of the Tropicana Derby of Dinard, since the British rider Laura Renwick signs her second consecutive win with Rembrandt Blue, her 10-year-old grey gelding.
From early in the afternoon, the public was crowding the alleys of the Val Porée stadium in order to watch this high-level event. They were 14 on the starting list, ready to take up the challenge of a 1060 meters long course, with 29 jumps, the horses facing unusual difficulties like water crossing, mounds, or an impressive hill slope followed by a double combination of verticals.
In front of fully packed grandstands, the British rider Laura Renwick, famous for being one of the fastest in the world, completes the only clear round of the class in a time of 165″41. With a large smile on her face, the rider said she was delighted with her horse who enjoys, just like her, that type of classes.
“I took him here only for this Derby; it was my target this week end. I am very pleased with the result. It is a unique and very demanding exercise for the horses, equivalent to several regular classes.”
The second place goes to the Italian Luca Maria Moneta, riding Neptune Brécourt, his 15-year-old French horse, who does not knock a single rail, but gets two penalty points for his time of 187″17. “I am very happy; the Derby is a new exercise for Neptune, with whom I rode all the big classes and championships. This is only his fourth Derby, after La Baule, Hickstead and Falsterbö. He seemed to enjoy it. It is always easy to have a rail down on a Derby. Neptune is a very rapid horse, but if he goes too fast, he may push a rail down, which is why I preferred to go for a clear round even if I got time penalties. To me, this second place is fantastic; it is my best result ever on that type of classes.”
In third position, the French Julien Epaillard, riding Sheriff de la Nutria LM, who signed the fastest time (162″24), but had unfortunately a rail down on the second last fence. “I am fully satisfied with Scheriff; he jumped well; he gave me everything. He placed 6th here last year. When you try to play the time, sometimes you pay for it towards the end of the course. After the n°19, I felt he was slightly tired. I had no information about Laura’s time; maybe I should have paid a little more attention over the two last fences, but today we gained more experience on that type of classes I really enjoy riding.”
Hats off to the Swiss Pius Schwizer/Chellatus R who complete the course with only 4 penalties, but in a very fast time of 167″29, as well as to the Italian Daniele Augusto Da Rios, who crosses the finish line with only 4 points in 170″20.
International Jumping of Dinard (CSI 5*) –Val Porée Stadium
Highlights: Tropicana Derby, Saturday 30 July at 4.30pm and Grand Prix of the City of Dinard, Sunday 31 July at 2.30pm.
Free admittance. Food and beverage available in the exhibitors’ village.
Tropicana Derby and Grand Prix of the city of Dinard broadcasted on TV and in live streaming.
Véronique GAUTHIER / Agence Consulis
veronique-gauthier@club-internet.fr
mob: +33 672 770 600
Bruno OPPENHEIM / O.I.C
bruno.oppenheim@wanadoo.fr
mob: +33 614 422 795