Tag Archives: Julien Epaillard

Good Start for Julien Epaillard

© Marco Villanti for HUBSIDE JUMPING.

Julien Epaillard has lived up to his reputation, and wins, at a breakneck pace, in the opening round of the last CSI 4* of the year at the HUBSIDE JUMPING in Grimaud. Associated with Usual Suspect d’Auge, he is ahead of his compatriot Mathieu Billot, in the saddle on Bad Boy du Bobois, and the Brazilian Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, third at the controls of Icarus.

“You can say that I was a little lucky today: I made a nice ‘touch’ on the tackle which fortunately did not fall. There were a lot of serious competitors, and moving up to eleventh position, I knew I had to take all the risks. Which led, I think, Emanuele Gaudiano and Carlotta to the fault, important competitors when it comes to going fast. Emanuele to take all the risks – he had no choice. It’s fair game. When he comes before me, as was the case last week, he doesn’t hesitate. Last week, I played the game too much: I was faster but with two faults. It was my revenge today. Usual Suspect d’Auge is in great shape. In the Grand Prix du CSI 2*, like last week, I will be associated with Lima de Muze, and in the CSI4* Grand Prix, at Alibi de la Roque.”

Full results here.

Daniel Koroloff – E-mail: daniel@blizko-communication.com

The Julien Epaillard Rocket in Orbit

© Ljuba Buzzola for HUBSIDE JUMPING.

First big event for this new CSI 5* of HUBSIDE JUMPING, first victory for this regular at the awards ceremony in Grimaud! The Frenchman Julien Epaillard wins in the 150cm event, at the controls of Alibi de la Roque. With almost two seconds in advance, he is ahead of another Habs, the Olympic team champion Roger-Yves Bost, in the saddle on Castleforbes Talitha, and the Brazilian Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, in the saddle on Icarus.

“I am very happy, especially since Alibi de la Roque had never been to HUBSIDE JUMPING before. Having him compete in this night-time event was a bit of a test to know if I launched him on Saturday in the Grand Prix. If he was a little staring at the start of the lap, he then finished very well; it didn’t seem to bother him too much! Tomorrow he will therefore rest before doing the Grand Prix Saturday. It is a horse that really had a long vacation during confinement and then resumed competition with Michel Hécart in 1.30m events. I then took him out to Opglabbeek and Lier to get him back on the road, competition on which he turned well. It’s really great to be able to enjoy this place in France, in such conditions: it’s magnificent. For us, it’s a real chance to have someone like Sadri Fegaier who offers us so many weeks of competitions with incredible quality. It allows us to continue to exercise our profession. despite a very complicated period. We can only say thank you.”

Full results here.

Daniel Koroloff – E-mail: daniel@blizko-communication.com

The Oscar of the Day for Usual Suspect and Julien Epaillard

© Filippo Gabutti for HUBSIDE JUMPING.

Frenchman Julien Epaillard, in the saddle on his Usual Suspect d’Auge gelding, won the major event of the day at the HUBSIDE JUMPING in Grimaud (Var). He is ahead of the young Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (Brazil) associated with Icarus, and Christian Kukuk (Germany) on Botaro.

“This week, Queeletta was penalized by a small 4 points yesterday in the 150cm race with jump-off, and Quincy, who usually runs the 140, will come out tomorrow for the Grand Prix: in view of this test, his schedule was deliberately quiet for the last few days. As for Usual Suspect, I have downgraded him a little. He raced the Grand Prix 4* a fortnight ago and we had a little incident: he left a stride before on an oxer. Last weekend, I engaged him in small tests to restore his confidence. He ran a 140 on Thursday: I found him quite relaxed; he had forgotten our mishap a little. Today, he did a magnificent first lap. I found it great, available, very relaxed. I am happy to see that this incident did not leave too many consequences. But this is the reason why I decided to downgrade it weekend, so that he continues to regain confidence.

“The big event of the day had a large number of roadblocks: it happens. It is not easy for the track chief to build a 145 barrage with the plateau that there is here, with horses which normally are very comfortable on this height. Even the slightly tricky triple did not give mistakes… The weather was fairly wide, and even if it had been tight, given the size of the track, we would always have found a place or two where to save time. Really, I maintain that the job of the track manager is not simple at all, who must respect the rules of 145 while the plateau is worthy of a 150, 155, or even a 160.

“In short, the results of these weeks are very positive. The horses are fine; they have all had different programs. Kzoom ran his first 5* Grand Prix last week: I am really satisfied even if we still have to get to know each other a little. I make a mistake on the last obstacle because I don’t know it well enough. Regarding Queeletta, I started really quiet, and we will race the Grand Prix tomorrow. I think the mare is not yet at 100% of its potential, so the Grand Prix will be more of a restart. I do not set myself any obligation of result. Especially since we must already think about the important deadlines to come, and in particular Barcelona, if the competition is maintained, which is an important objective of the season. ”

The CSI 2* event, on 140cm with jump-off, was won by the youngest of the competition, Eden Leprévost Blin Lebreton, sixteen, on Quivoila. Eden is ahead of a certain Pénélope Leprévost, reigning Olympic champion with the French team, and also her mother.

Full results here.

Reactions from all the winners here.

All tests are transmitted live on https://grandprix.tv/fr.

The press kit can be downloaded here.

Daniel Koroloff – E-mail: daniel@blizko-communication.com

Kent Farrington and Creedance Fly the Flag at Close of “Amazing” LGCT New York

Kent Farrington and Creedance. Photo by LGCT/Stefano Grasso.

New York, NY – As the sun set behind the Statue of Liberty and “The Star-Spangled Banner” rang out, Kent Farrington and Creedance flew the flag for the United States of America in the closing 5* thriller in New York.

The American champion’s win was a fitting climax to the sensational inaugural LGCT and GCL Finals on Governors Island, and Kent said of the event: “[It’s an] amazing setting, one of the best shows they’ve had this year and great finale to the Tour. [It’s been a] great week, amazing competition, top riders, top horses – you can’t ask for more.”

Determined to be back for next year’s LGCT of New York, he added: “I brought two amazing horses here – I thought they were good contenders. I was very happy Creedance was able to win two. I would have liked to get the Grand Prix also, but I’ll be back next year for that.”

After three days of top sport, entertainment, and perfect weather, the crowds and guests left the showground to the iconic music of Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York’. The New York stage of the team and individual championships saw Ben Maher crowned LGCT Champion repeating last year’s success and London Knights, including Maher, winning the GCL Final. Michael Bloomberg, Donna Karan, Christy Turlington, and Longines Ambassador of Elegance Andre Agassi were among the guests for the first-ever leg of the series in New York.

Kent Farrington (USA) took the win ahead of Pieter Devos (BEL) with Espoir and Harrie Smolders (NED) aboard Cas 2. Georgina Bloomberg (USA) set local hearts racing after she finished fourth with her 10-year-old gelding Chameur 137.

Julien Epaillard Races to 10th LGCT Speed Victory

Julien Epaillard lived up to his moniker as the Flying Frenchman yet again by topping the CSI5* 1.45m Speed for the 10th time this season during the final day of the Longines Global Champions Tour of New York.

Piloting the nine-year-old gelding Alibi de la Roque, Epaillard stopped the clock clear in an uncatchable 58.13 seconds over Bronislav Chudyba (SVK) and the aptly named New York, who broke the timers fault-free but several ticks off the pace in 61.42 seconds. Rounding out the top-three podium, Constant van Paesschen (BEL) was hungry for his second win of the weekend from the final spot in the order-of-go riding Vendetta Treize, but settled for third in 62.17 seconds with zero faults.

The one-round event against the clock featured a sizable but unassuming track by Uliano Vezzani’s (ITA). But when riders began to shave seconds off the clock with fewer strides and tight turns, the challenges presented themselves.

More info: www.gcglobalchampions.com.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Super Sunday at Olympia

Photo: Julien Epaillard aboard Toupie de la Roque.

The Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Leg provided an afternoon of exhilarating sport in the Olympia Grand Hall, with only four of the 36 starters jumping a clear in the first round. As the penultimate to go in the jump-off, Britain’s Scott Brash set the packed crowd alight, jumping clear in a time which looked like it could be the winning round. However, the notoriously speedy Julien Epaillard, riding Toupie de la Roque, knocked Scott off the pole position to take the victory by 0.43 seconds.

The day kicked off with The Pony Club Mini-Major, which went to 11-year-old Poppy Deakin and the in-form Laura Renwick, with ponies also taking to the fore in the opening class of the evening session, The Mistletoe Mini Stakes, which was won by Rachel Proudley.

The evening CSI5* class, The Ivy Stakes, proved to be another challenging content, with just six clears through to the jump-off; however, a speed masterclass from John Whitaker secured the victory, ahead of Ben Maher and Laura Renwick, to make a British one-two-three.

Away from the world class sporting action, The Kennel Club Large Novice Dog Agility Final was won by Sara Bacon with Tynevermoor Torque, and the two Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand Nationals of the day went to Madeline Reeder Smith and Zak Kent.

John Whitaker’s assiduous scrutinising of the jump-off course for The Ivy Stakes paid off in spades as he found the most audacious turn which had the crowd roaring their appreciation.

The cheers became deafening as his winning time of 33.17 seconds flashed up, signalling the 62-year-old’s second victory of the week on his own and wife Clare’s 15-year-old stallion Argento.

It was a thrilling end to a great day’s sport with a British one-two-three, Ben Maher second on Madame X and Laura Renwick third on MHS Washington, with the younger riders all quick to acknowledge a genius ride.

“I studied the course carefully because I knew Kevin [Staut, eventual fourth on S&L Through the Looking Glas] was last to go and I had to do something,” explained John, who has been competing here for four decades.

“It shows what a good horse he is because when we did the sharp turn the crowd gave a big cheer and that could have put him off. This show is special, with the crowds and Christmas and everything. It’s a great feeling and I feel lucky to still be in the sport.”

Poppy Deakin, 11, secured the win in The Pony Club Mini-Major relay that had previous escaped both of her sisters, Daisy and Kirsten.

“I wanted to come here and do better than them,” said Olympia first-timer Poppy with a cheeky smirk.

Riding 16-year-old Munsboro Plunkett, and partnering Britain’s leading lady rider Laura Renwick (Shiraz II), the Tynedale Pony Club branch member perfectly executed a tight turn back to the penultimate fence to take the class by more than one second.

“Poppy knew what she was doing,” said Laura. “I gave her hardly any advice. She was telling me how she was going to ride the course and she did what she said she would.”

Later on, North Yorkshire’s Rachel Proudley finally claimed her dream of winning The Mistletoe Mini Stakes with Painted Lady IV at the fourth attempt. “It’s my favourite show and it’s my last year riding her,” said Rachel, 12. “She’ll be staying in the family though, as she’ll now be ridden by my sister, Sarah.”

To find out more about Olympia, the London International Horse Show, visit www.olympiahorseshow.com.

For more information, please contact:
Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk 0203 176 0355

Julien Epaillard Is Roque Solid in Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Leg

Julien Epaillard, riding Toupie de la Roque, became only the second Frenchman in history to win the Olympia leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping, thanks to a spectacular burst of speed in the jump-off which relegated last year’s winner, Scott Brash, to second place.

“It is a great honour for me to win at Olympia,” said the 40-year-old, who was 0.43 seconds faster than Scott. “It was a very difficult course, very technical – you needed scope but also great control.”

Course-designer Guillaume Jorge, who officiated at the Rio Olympics last year, set the high-quality field, which included six of the world’s top 10 riders, quite a challenge, and it wasn’t until the 21st to go, European Champion Peder Fredricson on H&M Christian K, that there was a clear round.

Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander, a wild card entry, followed with another clear on Inca Boy van T Vianahof, a nine-year-old produced in Britain by Tim Wilkes, in only her sixth competition on the horse. The winner here in 2008, she now heads the Longines FEI World Cup™ rankings joint with France’s Kevin Staut, who finished fifth today with just four faults.

Scott, who pronounced the course “challenging, but well thought out and jumpable”, raised the roof with his clear round on the 16-year-old Ursula Xll and hopes were high that he might score the first back-to-back win since Nick Skelton in 1984. However, despite the fantastic jump-off speed of 37.34 seconds, it wasn’t to be.

“I know Julien well and I knew how fast he would go, so fair play to him,” said Scott sportingly afterwards. “Ursula was fantastic and, although I would love to breed a foal from her, while she’s jumping like this, she certainly isn’t ready to retire.”

Scott is now 28th on the Longines FEI World Cup™ Rankings with five legs to go before the final in Paris in April.

To find out more about Olympia, the London International Horse Show, visit www.olympiahorseshow.com.

For more information, please contact:
Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk 0203 176 0355

Epaillard Exceeds His Own Expectations with Brilliant Longines Win at Bordeaux

Julien Epaillard and Quatrin de la Roque LM. (Pierre Costabadie/FEI)

Bordeaux (FRA), 4 February 2017 – Frenchman Julien Epaillard took even himself by surprise when galloping to victory with Quatrin de la Roque at the penultimate leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2016/2017 Western European League on home ground in Bordeaux, France. “I didn’t come here with big expectations,” said the delighted 39-year-old from Normandy, after out-pacing and out-jumping the stellar field of 39 starters in another marathon jump-off against the clock.

Runner-up spot went to 40-year-old Dutchman Leopold van Asten with VDL Groep Zidane while reigning European Young Rider champion, 21-year-old Guido Klatte from Germany, clinched third with Qinghai and Ireland’s Denis Lynch lined up fourth with All Star.

It seems even the top course designers are astonished by the ability of the horses and riders on the indoor circuit this winter, as 19 managed to complete Uliano Vezzani’s first-round track without incident. “What can I say? It’s a big arena and the horses jumped great – that’s the sport!” said the world-famous Italian course designer.

It was Rio Olympian, van Asten, who set the jump-off target when second to go and clear in 37.71 seconds, and although Frenchman Aldrick Cheronnet (Tanael des Bonnes) and Germany’s Markus Brinkmann (Pikeur Dylon) were also fault-free it wasn’t until Klatte took his turn that the Dutchman’s time looked vulnerable. Klatte steered a shorter route when cutting inside the first fence after tackling the double at the halfway point, stopping the clock in 38.09 seconds, but two horses later Epaillard and his 13-year-old gelding did the same to break the beam in what would turn out to be the winning time of 35.92 seconds.

The superstars who followed him into the ring often faulted at the vertical that followed that inside turn, or sometimes even earlier, on the rollback to the vertical third fence on the new course. Lynch was never likely to beat the target time with his massive 14-year-old gelding, but 38.41 seconds would be plenty good enough for fourth spot when the remaining six contenders all left poles on the floor.

“Things have not been going great for me, and after La Coruna (early December) I felt my horse was tired so I gave him a little break,” said Epaillard as the result began to sink in. “Then we started again in Oliva (ESP) and came here, but I was only really preparing for the Grand Prix tomorrow, I wasn’t expecting this to happen!” he added.

Gothenburg in Sweden will host the last leg of the Western European League in three weeks’ time.

Full result here

Quotes:

Julien Epaillard FRA (1st): “My horse has a very big stride and we had a good turn to the vertical after fence two and had a nice distance to the last jump. With this horse I have only won at 3-Star level – the Grand Prix at Lummen and at Paderborn.”

Leopold van Asten NED (2nd) (when asked why he was two seconds slower than the winner): “I was second to go in the jump-off and had to make a choice. I wanted to be quick but not to take too many risks because wanted to be clear. Even if I started last I wouldn’t have beaten Julien’s time anyway!”

Guido Klatte GER (3rd): “I’m really happy; I can’t believe it! This is the best atmosphere I’ve seen at an indoor show, even better than in Germany!”

Mr Eric Dulong, President of the Organising Committee, Jumping International de Bordeaux: “It’s great to have such a fantastic audience and such a great atmosphere. I want to thank everyone at event – Bordeaux is becoming one of the shows you just have to be at in Europe!”

Full standings here

Don’t miss a hoofbeat! Watch it all LIVE on www.feitv.org.

Social media: #FEIWorldCupWEL #RidetoOmaha #FEIWorldCupFinals #TwoHearts #Longines @LonginesEq

Rider biographies: view online and download from http://www.fei.org/bios.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Bordeaux:

Pascal Renauldon
Press Officer
p.renauldon@rbpresse.com
+33 (3) 44 620 621

At FEI:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145