Tag Archives: Patrice Delaveau

Season III of Longines Masters Series Makes Thrilling Ride through Asia

Photo: Patrice Delaveau and Aquila HDC.

Looks to Its Final Stop in New York

New York – February 13, 2018 – The Longines Masters of Hong Kong, the second leg of the international equestrian series that stops in Paris, Hong Kong, and New York, came to a dramatic conclusion on Sunday after three days of incredible competition on February 9-11. After his victory in the Masters One event on Day 1, Daniel Deusser from Germany competed in the Longines Grand Prix with his eyes set on the Grand Slam Indoor title and super bonus of €2.25 million, achieved by winning three consecutive Longines Grand Prix in Paris, Hong Kong and New York, in the same season.

Presented by Title Partner & Official Timekeeper Longines, the Longines Grand Prix boasted over 1.60m obstacles and offered the biggest prize purse of the weekend, a total of US $382,800. Twenty riders from 12 countries competed for the title over two rounds, with the 20 riders whittled down to 12 for the jump-off. Of the 12, only five riders cleared both rounds without faults including the Australian Jamie Kermond who placed fourth on Yandoo Oaks Constellation and Michael Whitaker on Calisto Blue who finished fifth.

The competition was close as Patrice Delaveau snatched victory on Aquila HDC from the Austrian Max Kühner on Cielito Lindo 2 by just 0.07 seconds in the jump-off, followed by the Longines Grand Prix of Paris winner Daniel Deusser from Germany on Cornet D’Amour only 0.08 seconds behind Kühner for a third place finish. Following this victory, Patrice Delaveau has a chance to collect the Grand Slam Indoor bonus of €1 million if he can win the Longines Grand Prix at the final leg of the current season of the Longines Masters Series, in New York, and follow it up with a win in Paris at the start of the 2018-19 season.

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Patrice Delaveau and Ornella Mail*HDC Have the Marseillaise Played in the Stadium

Photo: PSV Jean Morel.

Like in 2013, the current world vice champion Patrice Delaveau and his bounding mare Ornella Mail*HDC won the Derby of the Pays de la Loire region. Like in 2013, the French made the public of the Longines International Jumping of La Baule stand and sing along the Marseillaise during the prize giving ceremony.

Fourteen pairs were on the starting list of this Derby of the Pays de la Loire region, among which some have been unfortunate, like the French Olivier Robert, eliminated at the n°2 after two consecutive refusals of Radja de B’Neville.

If nobody managed to sign the perfect course, four pairs had only one rail down: Wout-Jan Van Der Schans (HOL) and Zorro, Martin Fuchs (SWI) with Uzo van Het Hobos Z, Jérôme Guéry (BEL) and Chillipepper and Patrice Delaveau (FRA) with Ornella Mail*HDC. The time made a difference over this 21 fences course designed by Frédéric Cottier. At this game, the French was the fastest with his fantastic mare Ornella Mail HDC.

Patrice Delaveau already clinched victory in 1993 with Orient de Frebourg and signed this year his second victory with Ornella in this mythical class, always greatly appreciated by the public, which one more time came in numbers in La Baule.

After his victory in 2013 in the Derby of the Pays de la Loire region, Patrice Delaveau had won the Grand prix Longines of the city of La Baule with Orient Express*HDC. Will he sign a new double win this year? The answer will come down on Sunday from 1pm onwards.

QUOTES:

Rémi Cléro, President of the Longines International Jumping of La Baule :
« Congratulations to Patrice Delaveau for this great win. I wish to thank the president Bruno Retailleau for his support to the Pays de la Loire region. I also wish to thank the public, which vibrates, goes down to the track to discover the course, knows how to keep quiet and explode with joy with the riders. This emotion around the arena is very important. The riders and the course designer feel it, it is essential. »

Patrice Delaveau (FRA), 1st:
« I am very happy to have won this class, because the public of La Baule likes it very much. The Derby is part of the most beautiful classes of the show, but also of a real French circuit. Ornella won in 2013 and 2016, I am really pleased with her. She has already competed three times in the Derby; it is one of her annual objectives. I get her ready by going to the beach in Deauville, or through fractionate training. We need to give our horses a bit more condition, but many of them can do it. A long time ago, when I won in 1993, a third of the horses would complete the course. Today, these classes have evolved like our sport. »

Wout-Jan Van Der Schans (HOL), 2nd:
« It is a great birthday week-end! I had planned to clear; I used to ride in eventing, so I took my time, because Julien Gonin or Julien Epaillard are very fast. »

Jérôme Guéry (BEL), 3rd:
« I am very pleased with my 3rd place, since I ride Chillipepper for the first time. He belongs to my wife. I came into the lake very fast, and it was difficult to avoid a rail down on the next fence. I had plan to sign a clear round, but since I had four points penalty towards the end of the course, it is always more complicated. »

Patrick Caron, sports director of La Baule:
«We have to discuss about the Derbies on a world level, since our sport evolves very quickly. We have to understand that La Baule is the only CSIO5* to propose a Derby in its program. It is not easy; in the future the grass arenas will be very rare, but also searched for. We keep this spectacular class, but we did everything to make it secure and comfortable for the horses, which is crucial for horses who compete à 5* level. »

Results

www.labaule-cheval.com

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

World’s Top Riders Strike Gold and Patrice Delaveau Comes Up Big at Longines Masters of LA

Patrice Delaveau and Carinjo HDC. Photos: McCool Photo for EEM.

Gucci Gold Cup Premieres at the American Leg of the Longines Masters Series and Stars Ride for Cause at the Charity Pro-Am Style & Competition

Los Angeles, CA. October 3, 2015 – Saturday night at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles was the epitome of glamour, prestige, and fun with top level show jumping and entertainment at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The evening featured two renowned classes: the Gucci Gold Cup for the first time at the American leg of the series and a signature event in the Longines Masters, the Charity Pro-Am Style & Competition.

Bill Gates, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa cheered on their daughters along with Camilla Belle, Jeannie Mai, Carly Steel, Alison Sweeney, Jean Claude Van Damme and many more throughout the day.

The inaugural Gucci Gold Cup at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles showcased the power and glamour of the sport as 36 of the world’s best riders jumped the course designed by Luc Musette. Already a favorite at the Hong Kong leg of the Longines Masters series, the Gucci Gold Cup brings the best of show jumping to the American audience. World Number 1 Scott Brash, U.S. Number 1 Beezie Madden, and many more joined Longines Masters of Hong Kong Gucci Gold Cup champion John Whitaker in the ring. After a winning round of 12 competitors, French rider Patrice Delaveau and Carinjo HDC claimed top prize with a time of with 35.83 seconds, with McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z in very close second with a time of 35.85 seconds, followed by Edwina Tops-Alexander and Lintea Tequila in third in 36.30 seconds.

McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z
McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z

The Charity Pro-Am Style & Competition was a unique team class composed of one professional rider and one amateur rider, riding for charity. Each of the eight teams dressed up in costumes of their choice as they rode to a music selection complimenting their chosen theme. The team with the best style was decided by a celebrity jury composed of James Bond girl Denise Richards, actress Perrey Reeves from Entourage, and KTLA anchor Sam Rubin. Each team was judged on the number of penalties over the fences, the team’s style and elegance, as well as the horse’s style.

Kaley Cuoco and teammate Tracy Wade were crowned the Charity Pro-Am Style & Competition winners dressed as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader to benefit Ride On. Jennifer Gates and Jack Towell embodied Wizard of Oz characters for Thrive Animal Rescue, and Hannah Selleck and Jane Richard Philips were Alice in Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts on behalf of Longines and Just World International.

The eight teams included:

  • Jack Towell and Olympe de Brecey and Jennifer Gates and Cadence for Thrive Animal Rescue
  • Hillary Ridland and Zilliam Rose and Mary Frances Looke and Labors Wonderboy for Park Place Foundation
  • Eduardo Menezes and Caruschka 2 and Jean Christophe Meily and Joel sponsored by The Jules Stewart Project and Sterckx Stables and San Pascual Stables for Wolf Connection
  • Jane Richard Philips and Zekina Z and Hannah Selleck and Callway Do Cabo sponsored by Longines for Just World International
  • Kent Farrington and Basic and Alexandra Crown and Charley for Autism Speaks
  • Kristin Hardin and Firestone S and Nicolette Hirt and Cascall for Compton Junior Posse
  • Edwina Tops-Alexander and Summertyme and Sophie St. Claire and Lady Mecklenburg sponsored by Gucci for Amade
  • Tracey Wade and Estano and Kaley Cuoco and Bionetty for Ride On

Earlier on Saturday, Patrice Delaveau won his first class of the day, the $34,000 Prix Emirates CSI5*. Only two riders out of a starting field of 21 managed to leave all the rails up to qualify for the jump off. Delaveau, riding 11-year-old Lacrimoso 3 HDC and Lauren Hough, on 11-year-old Cornet 39, were the two riders to jump a second time.

The Longines Masters of Los Angeles will conclude on Sunday afternoon with the much-anticipated Longines Grand Prix. John Whitaker from Great Britain has journeyed to Los Angeles for the first time since 1984 in an attempt to claim the first ever Masters Grand Slam Super Bonus.

DETAILS:
The Longines Masters of Los Angeles
October 1st to 4th 2015
WEBSITE: http://www.mastersgrandslam.com/en/longines_masters_los_angeles
TICKETING: Tickets are available at http://www.mastersgrandslam.com/en/ticketing.

ABOUT THE LONGINES MASTERS

Established in three of the biggest cities — Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong — the unique Longines Masters series is recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale and is one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions worldwide. Created by EEM, the concept of the Masters was born in 2009 with the first edition of the Gucci Paris Masters, now renamed the Longines Masters of Paris. Inspired by the Grand Slam tournaments in tennis, the circuit rapidly developed abroad, with the Longines Masters of Hong Kong in 2013 and the Longines Masters of Los Angeles in 2014.

The world’s best riders and horses will compete for one million dollars in prize money at each leg of the series. In addition, any rider who consecutively wins the Longines Masters Grands Prix in Paris, Hong Kong and Los Angeles will be rewarded with one million euros Masters Grand Slam bonus. For two successive victories, the rider will be awarded €500,000, and winners of two non-successive victories within a series of three Longines Masters Grand Prix will receive a €250,000 bonus.

These events are broadcast in more than 120 countries and reach up to 550 million households.. Every edition of the Masters is must-attend event that brings together sports enthusiasts, amateurs, celebrities and corporate decision-makers from around the world, who come to enjoy a unique experience, boasting exceptional sport, entertainment, glamour, gastronomy and contemporary art.

Longines Masters of Los Angeles October 1st to 4th 2015
Longines Masters of Paris December 3rd to 6th 2015
Longines Masters of Hong Kong February 19th to 21st 2016

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Alyssa Furnari
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Bengtsson, Delaveau, Dubbeldam and Madden Qualify for Top-Four Jumping Final

Patrice Delaveau and Orient Express HDC will fly the French flag in tomorrow’s much-anticipated Top-Four Jumping Final at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. (Dirk Caremans/FEI)

Normandy (FRA), 6 September 2014 – The battle for a place in the top-four Jumping final at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 produced superb sport today, and with the host nation’s Patrice Delaveau making the cut, the noise, excitement and tension in the Stade D’Ornano at Caen is set to reach fever-pitch tomorrow afternoon.

The Frenchman will be joined by America’s Beezie Madden, Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and The Netherlands’ Jeroen Dubbeldam in the closing stages of what has been one of the most exciting world championships of all time.

There were several high-profile withdrawals before today’s penultimate competition began, including Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, who was lying 10th with Codex One, Canada’s Yann Candele, in 22nd place with Showgirl, and America’s Kent Farrington, who was holding 27th position with Voyeur.

A total of 29 horse-and-rider combinations lined out, and French course designer, Frederic Cottier, presented two superb tracks that brought the cream to the very top.

A significant role

Only eight horse-and-rider combinations jumped clear over the 12-fence first-round track, in which the triple combination at fence eight, the massive oxer at fence 10, the following vertical at 11 and final oxer at 12 all played a significant role.

There were three countries represented by three riders – Ireland, The Netherlands and France – as the day began, and the vociferous home supporters were devastated when Penelope Leprevost was eliminated for parting company with Flora di Mariposa at the open water at fence six.

Lying in seventh place as the competition began, Leprevost was looking good until her mare landed in the water, stumbled and pitched her out of the saddle to bring her world championships to a close. But the 34-year-old rider still goes home with a team silver medal in her pocket after great performances earlier in the week.

There were clears from Olympic champion Steve Guerdat from Switzerland (Nino des Buissonnets), Ireland’s Darragh Kenny (Imothep), Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani (Vienna Olympic), America’s McLain Ward (Rothchild) and The Netherlands’ Jeroen Dubbeldam (Zenith SFN) before the top 10 took their turn. But only three of the leading 10 managed to keep a clean sheet which led to a new-look leaderboard at the start of the second round.

Brazil’s Marlon Zanotelli (AD Clouwni) and Dutchman Gerco Schroder (Glock’s London) disappeared from the reckoning with eight and 12 faults apiece, but Germany’s Daniel Deusser kept himself well in the game when clear with his Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014 winning partner Cornet D’Amour. In overnight sixth, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and Conrad de Hus disappeared from the reckoning with 15 faults, while Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa picked up five with Status, who put a foot in the water and fell afoul of the 86-seconds time allowed.

Thrilling run

Delaveau and Orient Express followed with one of their typically heart-stopping rounds during which the stallion broke into a trot when checked between the open water and the following oxer and then survived a thrilling run through the triple combination. Denmark’s Soren Pedersen, lying third, plummeted down the leaderboard when leaving three fences on the floor with Tailormade Esperanza de Rebel but, second-last to go, Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson produced a fabulous clear.

Last in the first round, America’s Beezie Madden and Cortes C hit the oxer after the roll-back at fence five. But as leaders going into the day, that only brought their tally to 4.16 and left them well in the chase as round two got underway.

The new course had just 10 fences, but the oxer at fence four and the triple-combination at nine weeded more of them out.

Bengtsson, Delaveau, Madden, and Deusser held the top four spots as it began, and clears from McLain Ward, now lying sixth, and from Dubbeldam in fifth piled the pressure on the leading pack.

When Deusser’s grey gelding hit the vertical three from home it opened a top-four spot for the Dutchman, and when Madden and Delaveau once again kept a clean sheet they were through too. But Swedish hearts were racing when Bengtsson’s stallion hit the oxer at four. He had a fence in hand as the day started, and any further mistakes would prove disastrous.

“My fault wasn’t just a little touch; it was a proper fault,” he said afterwards. “I’m not sure why he jumped so funny at that one. There was a lot going on in my head going down to the next oxer; I wondered if he would be in doubt again but he was fine.”

Much anticipated finale

Four veterans of the sport go through to tomorrow’s much anticipated finale, with three experienced super-star horses and Dubbeldam’s newcomer, Zenith SFN, who has proven his world-class ability this week.

The Dutchman, who was Olympic champion in Sydney 2000 and a member of the gold medal winning Dutch team on Thursday, admitted he is somewhat surprised to find himself challenging for the individual world title on a horse that is comparatively green.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, he commented tonight: “It’s a big surprise for me. My horse is really inexperienced at this level. Last winter he competing at 3 and 4-Stars and then he started 5-Stars this summer.” However, he has faith in the 10-year-old which he has had for some time. “Although he is inexperienced, he is cool and uncomplicated, and very fit. That might be an advantage for the other riders tomorrow because he hasn’t jumped as much as their horses – we will see.”

There is huge pressure on Delaveau, who is competing not only in front of his home crowd but also his neighbours, family and friends. “My home is just 40 kilometres from Caen,” he said. “I’m very happy and my horse today was very good; he didn’t touch a pole. I’m feeling relieved, as for me it was especially important today. There was pressure for my region, for my Federation and for my country.”

When asked how he handled the pressure today, Dubbeldam replied: “I didn’t feel under any pressure at all! No I’m joking; the pressure was very high. I was in 12th position at the start so I was hoping for some faults from the other riders so I could move up. I know that’s not a nice thing to do but I did it, and I jumped double-clear and it put me in!” he said, adding, “I’m really looking forward to riding all those super-star horses tomorrow. I hope we will see a lot of great horsemanship from all four riders – and may the best rider win!”

When asked how they will prepare for the final test in which they will all ride each other’s horses and start on a zero score, Delaveau was first of the four to reply. “For me it’s a secret and it is my secret and I don’t reveal it to anyone!” he said with a laugh. Madden and Bengtsson said they will probably watch a few videos of their rivals’ horses tonight but both agreed they know the oppositions’ rides very well.

Dubbeldam was more stoic, however. “I’ve been thinking every night about it, so I don’t want to think about it anymore! Tonight I will have a good French steak and we will see what happens tomorrow!”

Full results and startlists at www.normandy2014.com.

Facts and Figures:

29 horse-and-rider combinations lined out in today’s penultimate competition in the Jumping championship at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014.

Leading riders that withdrew before today’s competition included Germany’s Christian Ahlmann who was lying 10th with Codex One, Canada’s Yann Candele who was in 22nd place and America’s Kent Farrington who was holding 27th position.

Today’s startlist included three horse-and-rider partnerships from France, Ireland and The Netherlands, and two each from Brazil, Denmark, Sweden and Denmark.

Only 8 jumped clear in the first round.

There was one elimination when Penelope Leprevost, lying close to the leaders in seventh place with Flora de Mariposa, fell when the mare landed in the water, stumbled and pitched her out of the saddle.

21 horse-and-rider combinations returned for the second round.

9 jumped clear in round 2.

The Top-Four finalists are Patrice Delaveau (FRA), Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE), Beezie Madden (USA) and Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED).

France has taken the title once before when Eric Navet and Quito de Baussy came out on top at the first FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990.

American finalist, Beezie Madden, was silver medallist at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Aachen, Germany.

No American or Dutch rider has ever won world championship individual gold.

If Beezie Madden takes the 2014 title she will be only the second lady rider to do so in the 61-year history of the Jumping world championship.

The last lady champion was Canada’s Gail Greenough who rode Mr T to gold at Aachen in 1986.

Quotes:

Jeroen Dubbeldam NED, talking about the challenge of tomorrow’s top-four final and the difficulty of riding strange horses: “It is a lot of jumping for the horses but they are well trained and top fit otherwise they would not have made it this far. When you come to a world championship, if you don’t want to ride other horses, then you shouldn’t have come here!”

Beezie Madden USA: “It’ll be an exciting day tomorrow for sure. You have to stay level-headed and hope the horses do as well, because a lot of the excitement is that they are in the ring, and they have to be able to handle that. Some of the horses get excited by that; there’s a lot of other factors out there tomorrow – a little fatigue, horses jumping the same course four times, sometimes they get a little bored.”

Jeroen Dubbeldam NED: “I’m looking forward to riding all three of the other horses and it would be a nice thing if all four riders go clear tomorrow and we have an extra jump-off and become world champion riding your own horse! That would be the nicest thing!”

Frederic Cottier, Course Designer: “It’s not by chance that we have these four great riders in the final. To get four outstanding riders and champions from 160 pairs – the sport spoke today. You asked about pressure: most sports are about pressure. I designed today’s course in the same spirit as all the others during the week so that it was comfortable for the horses but difficult for the riders. I designed it in a way that the riders again had the freedom of choice. Respect for the horses comes first and then the sport speaks for itself. But it’s just like a piece of theatre – you only get one shot! We are all looking forward to the final four, the draw will have an impact, and the fatigue of the horses, but we have talented and experienced riders – for me, my job is almost done.”

By Louise Parkes

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) on 23 August – 7 September brings together close to 1,000 riders and 1,000 horses from 74 nations for 15 days of world-class competition in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

For more information, see: www.normandy2014.com.

History Hub

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years in the middle of the Olympic and Paralympic cycle. They were first hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990 and have since been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010.

Visit the FEI History Hub here.

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 Organising Committee:

Amélie Patrux
Press Officer
presse@normandie2014.com

Riders from Four Different Nations through to Final Four at WEG

Patrice Delaveau (FRA), Beezie Madden (USA), Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE) and Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED) through to Final Sunday

(Caen, France, 6 September 2014) Riders from four nations qualify for the ‘Final Four’ to compete for Individual medals and the World Champion title: Patrice Delaveau, Beezie Madden, Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and Jeroen Dubbeldam after a thrilling decider.

Results after Second Round, Third Competition in Individual Show Jumping

1. Patrice Delaveau (FRA), Orient Express HDC (4.08)
2. Beezie Madden (USA), Cortes C (4.16)
3. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE), Casall ASK (4.34)
4. Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), Zenith SFN (6.25)
5. McLain Ward (USA), Rothchild (6.56)
6. Daniel Deusser (GER), Cornet d’Amour (8.70)
7. Bertram Allen (IRL), Molly Malone V (9.00)
8. Cassio Rivetti (UKR), Vivant (11.14)
9. Denis Lynch (IRL), All Start 5 (11.83)
10. Marcus Ehning (GER) Cornado NRW (12.14)

Top Four through to ‘FINAL FOUR’ on Sunday 7 September

1. Patrice Delaveau (FRA)
2. Beezie Madden (USA)
3. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE)
4. Jeroen Dubbledam (NED)

Final Four through to Sunday’s Championship Finale

Following a day of rest, the top 30 riders in the individual standings after four days of intensive jumping, competed again today in the Second Round of the Third Competition. Beezie Madden of the United States qualified for the Final Four in the Show Jumping competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, along with Rolf-Goran Bengtsson of Sweden, Patrice Delaveau of France and Jeroen Dubbeldam of the Netherlands.

It was a tense afternoon in front of a completely packed Stade D’Ornano in Caen, with seemingly the whole of France inside to cheer on the home nation hero, Patrice Delaveau. Both Dubbeldam and Delaveau jumped two clear rounds, while Madden and Bengtsson could afford to knock down one fence each but still qualify. Four riders from four different nations, riding four very different horses, prevailed over five rounds of jumping to now qualify to jump for individual medals and the World Championship title tomorrow.

Despite two superb clear rounds today, the USA’s McLain Ward just missed out on the fourth spot, ultimately from one pole down in the second round of yesterday’s competition, to take fifth place. And finishing seventh in the world was the teenage Irish sensation Bertram Allen riding Molly Malone V. Olympic Champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland and Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil missed out on qualification for the Final Four, finishing 11th and 21st respectively.

In a format unique to World Championship competition, the Top Four riders in the individual standings now advance to Sunday’s ‘Final Four’. World championship titles do not come easy; in the ultimate test of horsemanship, each rider will now complete the course with their own horse before jumping the course with each of their competitor’s horses.

Rolex Testimonee and Olympic Champion Steve Guerdat Thrills Swiss Fans

Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat produced another brilliant riding performance today in front of the many Swiss supporters to ride a perfect clear in the first round, with just one fence down in the second round. Guerdat has ridden superbly all week with just two fences down in total riding his London 2012 winning horse Nino Des Buissonnets.

Commenting after his two rounds, Guerdat said, “I’m very happy with the horse; I think it is difficult to make up so much ground when you start so badly on the first day, but the horse has been in great form all week and that’s the positive I want to remember for this week. The crowd has been amazing all week; from when you walk the course, they cheer for everybody, and for our sport it’s amazing to be able to ride here and gives you motivation to keep on going.”

Rider Quotes:

Beezie Madden (USA): I thought my horse was super today; I thought the rail in the first round was my fault letting him shift off the ground but I don’t think he touched a fence apart from that, so he was fantastic. McLain was also super today; that’s the only deflating part of the week: that McLain did not make it through to the Final Four and he just missed out. It (the Final Four) is a different challenge; it’s not something we do except from here. The best thing about it is that it pleases the crowd. I know all the other horses and have seen them over the years; Jeroen’s is the least experienced so I do not know as much about him, but Jeroen is a good friend so he will probably give me a few tips!

Patrice Delaveau (FRA): I am very happy. Caen is so close to my home and I live 40 km from here; for my fans, my owners, my family it is very very fantastic. The atmosphere is very special for French riders. There is very big pressure for the French riders; we have had five days of pressure and I’m delighted that it has finished for today!

Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE): I feel very good now, in the moment that I finally made it. Of course my fault came very, very early in the course and it was quite a hard fault, of course it was very exciting to keep everything together all the way to the finish line; everything was still very, very open but finally I made it and I feel very good now. There are top riders in the Final Four with very good horses, and it is going to be a great day tomorrow to follow this and see how the situation plays out for the different riders and combinations. To win this would be even better than the European Championship; there is still a long way to go but we are one of the four.

Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED): It was amazing; he (Zenith) surprised me with what he did in the Team Competition and today I thought he would be over as he is very inexperienced at this level and it would be too much today but it wasn’t too much for him and he surprised me, which was unbelievable. He was not tired at all; even in the second round he was still bucking and playing. I want to enjoy the Final Four tomorrow; I have seen it many times before, but this is the first time I have ridden in it. I know all the other horses very well; we see them every week at the other shows so we don’t really need to prepare differently.

Rolex Testimonee, Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA): It’s his (Status) first Championship; he is only 10, and he has less experience than the horses he is going against, so that is a positive side of it. On the negative, it was really hard the other day to let slip a team medal like that. So little margin but that’s the name of the game. Today, to get back into it, Status felt really good, but the water was totally my fault. He is not a very good water jumper and this is something that we have to practise. I came up short and it really annoyed me as I was still in the hunt, but for the mistake in the first round today I can only blame myself really.

For more information on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and full results, please visit www.normandy2014.com.

Rolex and the World Equestrian Games

Rolex’s association with the World Equestrian Games began in 2002 in Jerez, Spain and the brand is at the forefront of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which takes place between 23 August and 7 September in Caen, France where a record 74 nations intend to take part.

The exceptional bond between Rolex and the World Equestrian Games has no doubt been instrumental in attracting 12 new countries to make their debut this year; a glorious achievement in the development of the sport on a global scale. Across the 15 days, approximately 1,200 media will follow 1,000 competitors as they compete across eight official disciplines including the Olympic sports of Show Jumping, Dressage and Eventing in front of over 500,000 spectators.

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
team@revolutionsports.co.uk
www.revolutionsports.co.uk

Patrice Delaveau Takes Individual Lead in Show Jumping at WEG

Photo: ROLEX/Kit Houghton.

The Netherlands Leads the Team Competition

(Caen, France, 3 September 2014) Home grown French superstar Patrice Delaveau riding Orient Express today went into the lead in the Individual competition, whilst The Netherlands currently leads in the Team competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy.

Results, Show Jumping, First Round Team Competition (Individual)

1. Patrice Delaveau (FRA), Orient Express HDC (Total Faults 0.08)
2. Beezie Madden (USA), Cortes C (0.16)
3. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE), Casall ASK (0.34)
4. Daniel Deusser (GER), Cornet d’Amour (0.70)
5. Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), Zenith SFN (1.25)
6. Gerco Schroder (GER), Glock’s London NOP (1.29)
7. Soren Pedersen (DEN), Tailormade Esperanza de Rebel (2.49)
8. McLain Ward (USA), Rothchild (2.56)
9. Sheikh Ali bin Khali Al Thani (QAT), Vienna Olympic (2.89)
10. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), VDL Groep Verdi TN NOP (3.05)

Results, Show Jumping, First Round Team Competition (Team)

1st: The Netherlands (Total Faults 4.83)
2nd USA (8.72)
3rd: Germany (8.82)
4th: France (10.08)
5th: Brazil (12.95)
6th: Canada (14)
7th: Sweden (15.01)
8th: Ireland (18.51)
9th: Colombia (21.86)
10th: Ukraine (22.98)

Show Jumping Competition Comes Alive at the Stade d’Ornano

Show Jumping at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy came alive on the second day of the competition with the riders being asked some very demanding questions by the course designer, Frederic Cottier. A second clear round was hard to come by but some of the leading names in the sport are beginning to emerge in what looks like being a highly competitive individual competition over the next few days.

Only the Top 50 individual riders and Top 10 Nations go through to the Second Round of the Team Competition taking place on Thursday 4 September.

Rolex Testimonee Rodrigo Pessoa Rides Double Clear

Competing for Team Brazil, Rolex Testimonee Rodrigo Pessoa, riding Status, produced the only double clear round from the first two days for the Brazilian team and helped them into 5th position, whilst individually Pessoa is currently in 15th place with 4.1 faults.

Commenting on his experience, Pessoa said: “Confidence was good as the horse warmed up really well, and this course suited him and his big stride, and he responded very well to everything that I asked. We needed this clear round to stay in touch with the good ones. But we still have to do a lot tomorrow, so it is far from over. The crowd has been really good; imagine they arrived here at 9,00am and have stayed all the day and been really enthusiastic from the morning up to this evening, and you really want to do well when you have the crowd like that behind you. From tomorrow on I think the stadium will be louder with more people with and an even better atmosphere.”

All four of the Rolex Show Jumping Testimonees competing at the Games are currently in the Top 50, with Eric Lamaze on Zigali PS in 24th, Kevin Staut in 26th place on Riveur de Hurtebise HDC and Steve Guerdat on Nino des Buissonnets in 43rd place.

Rider Quotes:

Patrice Delaveau (FRA): My horse Orient had a very good day today. I took a big push at the Rolex oxer and it was a good day for me. It was not so good for the team with just one clear, but tomorrow could be a better day. The spectators here are very good, for the sport and the team.

Beezie Madden (USA): It feels great to be back riding again. I am very thankful to my horse. He had very little showing this summer when I was hurt. There is still a long way to go and I hope to be back here again.

Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE): Of course it is always nice to get a medal, but we have only done two rounds so far and will still have five more to go. My horse is motivated and in good form. I am really happy with how my horse managed to do today’s course.

For more information on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and full results, please visit www.normandy2014.com.

Rolex and the World Equestrian Games

Rolex’s association with the World Equestrian Games began in 2002 in Jerez, Spain and the brand is at the forefront of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which takes place between 23 August and 7 September in Caen, France where a record 74 nations intend to take part.

The exceptional bond between Rolex and the World Equestrian Games has no doubt been instrumental in attracting 12 new countries to make their debut this year; a glorious achievement in the development of the sport on a global scale. Across the 15 days, approximately 1,200 media will follow 1,000 competitors as they compete across eight official disciplines including the Olympic sports of Show Jumping, Dressage and Eventing in front of over 500,000 spectators.

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
team@revolutionsports.co.uk
www.revolutionsports.co.uk

Delaveau’s Lacrimoso Withdrawn from Last Leg of Longines Final

Patrice Delaveau at today’s press conference during which he confirmed the withdrawal of his horse Lacrimoso from the closing stages of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final. Photo: FEI/Stefan Lafrentz.

Lyon (FRA), 20 April 2014 – Patrice Delaveau, the man carrying the host nation’s hopes and dreams into tomorrow’s third and deciding leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Final at Lyon, France, announced this morning that he was withdrawn his horse, Lacrimoso. “Je suis desolé,” the 49-year-old rider said, deeply disappointed that his dark bay stallion has a minor foot problem and therefore cannot fight for the coveted trophy that all Jumping riders want to win.

Delaveau had claimed a share of the lead with Olympic champion, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, after the first two competitions and hopes were flying high in the French camp last night that a French win could be on the cards. France has only taken the title once before in the 36-year history of the event when Bruno Broucqsault and Dileme de Cephe produced a surprise victory in Milan (ITA) 10 years ago.

“After the first round yesterday I thought I felt something but I was not sure, and he was not as good as usual in the jump-off. Afterwards I knew he was not right; he was a bit lame but it wasn’t anything dramatic. We presented him at the horse inspection today and he was rejected. We were offered the possibility of presenting him again tomorrow morning but we decided – Philippe [Guerdat, French Chef d’Equipe] and the owners – that we will withdraw.”

Very disappointed

“I am very disappointed for a lot of people, and for everyone here in France,” Delaveau continued. “It would be a wonderful story to see a French rider winning in France, but this is just the way it is, and the horse is only 10 years old and will surely have many other good years ahead of him.”

Event Director Sylvie Robert said she was disappointed for Patrice, “and for the French team, the owners and for French sport. There are still two French riders in the competition, however, and I wish them well,” she added.

“Patrice had a great chance to take this title this weekend for France,” Philippe Guerdat said, “but it is fate for him and that’s just the way it is. We were all in the stables together today, including the horse’s owners, Armand and Emmanuele Perron-Pette, and I have to congratulate them for their unselfish decision to withdraw Lacrimoso. They thought only of their horse’s well-being – that came first and not the possibility of victory.”

Possible sprain

Delaveau described Lacrimoso’s injury as a possible sprain in a front foot, “but we can’t say for sure just yet; he has to be examined further.” When asked if he regretted leaving his other horse, Carinjo, at home, he replied, “No, he doesn’t like jumping indoors; he is more of an outdoor horse,” adding that his other top ride, Orient Express, is only just back after an injury and is not yet fit.

The word Lacrimoso refers to sadness, and there is certainly some of that in French circles today, but as Delaveau pointed out, there is always the future, and everyone is still looking forward with great anticipation to tomorrow’s last competition which will decide who takes home the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping trophy after another thrilling season.

With the Frenchman now out of the picture, it is Olympic champion Guerdat who holds the lead, with a narrow two-point advantage over Germany’s Daniel Deusser in second, while Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum, defending champion Beezie Madden from the USA and first-day winner Pius Schwizer from Switzerland are only another two points further adrift.

The class that will decide the 2014 champion begins tomorrow at 14.00 local time.

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

Audio Files:

Patrice Delaveau   French reaction
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Delaveau_french.mp3

Patrice Delaveau   English Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_delaveau_eng_day3.mp3

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and its mount. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1912, Longines was proud to partner with its first Jumping event, the Grande Concurso Hippico Internacional, in Portugal.

Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Lyon:

Pascal Renauldon
Press Officer
P.renauldon@rbpresse.com
+333 44 620 621

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

At Longines:

Longines International Public Relations
publicrelations@longines.com

French on Fire as Delaveau Makes It a Double at Leipzig

Patrice Delaveau secured his second victory in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League 2013/2014 series with a great performance from the stallion Lacrimoso HDC. Photo: FEI/Karl-Heinz Freiler.

Leipzig (GER), 19 January 2014 – The French were in fabulous form at Round 7 of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League series in Leipzig, Germany today where Patrice Delaveau recorded his second win of the season and fellow-countryman and reigning European Champion, Roger Yves Bost, lined up second.

From the starting field of 40, there was a 14-strong German contingent also chasing those all-important maximum qualifying points, but host-nation riders Lars Nieberg and Markus Renzel had to settle for third and fourth placings ahead of Ukraine’s Katharina Offel in fifth as the French reigned supreme.  A total of 11 went into the jump-off, and Delaveau won through with a typically fiery performance when third-last to go with the 10-year-old stallion Lacrimoso HDC.

Another Frenchman, Kevin Staut, slotted into sixth ahead of Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson in seventh, while Billy Twomey finished eighth and best of the Irish duo who made the cut into the round against the clock.

Course designer, Frank Rothenberger, set them a stiff test of unmerciful oxers and strategically-placed verticals, but with a generous time-allowed of 72 seconds it proved well within the capability of all-comers, and it would be just the vital edge of accuracy that would make all the difference on the day.

Taking their toll

There was no real bogey fence in the first round, with even the oxer at fence two and the following vertical at three taking their toll.  Rothenberger set the triple combination at fence four followed by an oxer at five before a right-handed swing to the line from the vertical at six to the oxer at seven and another vertical at fence eight.  The first two clears came from Nieberg and Renzel who both attacked the course on a rhythm and made it look very easy indeed.

However the water-tray oxer at fence nine hit the floor on several occasions as did the following oxer at 10, and from the narrow black gate on the short side of the arena at fence 11 it was a sharp turn to the penultimate oxer at 12 which led to the final double of verticals.  Many horse-and-rider combinations made it safely all the way only to fault here when the last distance came up a little short.

Strong challenge

Nieberg threw down a strong challenge when setting the pace in the jump-off with the 11-year-old mare, Leonie W.  The new track required a long eight strides between the first two fences – the verticals at six and eight – while the water-tray oxer at nine was followed by a left-handed swing back to the vertical at three and then right-handed to the first two elements of the previous triple combination.  From there it was a strong gallop to the oxer at five before the most crucial turn of all – a circling run to what had been the very first fence followed by a strong gallop down to fence two which was now last on the course.

Leonie W was sharp and careful all the way to set a strong target in 42.58 seconds, and that would take some beating.

Renzel’s elegant and eye-catching grey, Cassydy, crossed the line in 43.15 seconds to present no threat to the leader, but it was clear this 11-year-old was not being put under pressure as he soared effortlessly through the course to post what would still be an important result.

Next in was the last of the host country riders, Carsten-Otto Nagel with Holiday by Solitour, but their chances disappeared at the first element of the former triple combination, while Ireland’s Billy Twomey was even more unlucky when his tough, loyal but self-opinionated 17-year-old mare, Tinka’s Serenade, hit the very last.

Set sail

Great Britain’s Daniel Neilson and Coco Bongo left two on the floor before Roger Yves Bost set sail with Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulois, and the latter pair had the packed stadium of spectators on the edges of their seats with a characteristically flamboyant run that saw them soaring ahead with a fantastic clear in 40.78 seconds.  Now that was the time to beat.

Ireland’s Denis Lynch decided to give it his best shot with Abbervail van het Dingeshof, but a very tight line to the vertical at fence three didn’t pay off when the 14-year-old horse slammed on the brakes, and when Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and Casall Ask had a fence down it was still Bost who held the advantage.  Next man in would change all that however, Delaveau once again demonstrating that extraordinary ability to get his horses to jump at speed without the slightest hesitation and just about always on the perfect stride.

Taking the crucial turn to the vertical second-last, the man who will celebrate his 49th birthday in seven days’ time flapped the reins in encouragement, and Lacrimoso HDC responded with another burst of speed that saw them through the finish line in 40.13 seconds.  A fence down for French team-mate Kevin Staut and his much-loved mare, Silvana HDC, and a slow but clean tour of the track by Ukraine’s Katharina Offel and Lacontino ensured it would be another great day for Delaveau who also clinched maximum points at the second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League 2013/2014 series at Helsinki in Finland in October.

Seven watches

“Since last year I’ve won seven Longines watches!” the winning French rider said with a laugh afterwards.  He has indeed been enjoying a great run of form of late, and with three Grand Prix horse in his stable looks very well-equipped as France prepares to host the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in his home region of Normandy later this summer.  He only started riding Lacrimoso HDC last March and immediately won the Longines Hong Kong Masters with the German-bred horse whose name, Italian for tearful or sad, was not reflected by the big grins being worn by both horse and rider during today’s prize-winner’s ceremony.

Delaveau is now well-qualified for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Final which will take place in Lyon, France from 17-21 April, and his fellow-countryman, Bost who finished second today, is determined to join him.  “We would love to have four French riders competing at Lyon,” Bost said today.  But with just 28 points to his credit in the series so far, the reigning European Champion has more work to do if he is to make the cut.

Today’s result re-confirms Delaveau as a key player in the 2014 French campaign. A prolific winner at Junior and Young Rider level, he helped win Team Bronze at the 1986 World Championships in Aachen, Germany at the tender age of just 21 and has been a highly successful member of the French senior squad ever since.  He helped claim team silver for France at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at Lexington (USA) in 2010 and was a member of the winning French team at the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in Barcelona, Spain last September.

Last year he became the first rider since 1971 to win both the Derby and Grand Prix at La Baule, France and it seems 2014 may well be another year to remember. He will definitely be one to watch when the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final gets underway in 12 weeks’ time.

For more information on the seventh leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League 2013/2014 series at Leipzig, Germany, go to website www.partner-pferd.de/de or contact Press Officer Andreas Kerstan, Email andreas.kerstan@comtainment.de, Tel +49 177 7532 624.

The next leg takes place in Zurich, Switzerland on Sunday 26 January.  For all information on the Swiss fixture, go to website http://www.mercedes-csi.ch or contact Press Officer Roman Gasser, Email roman.gasser@mercedes-csi.ch, Tel +41(0)79 635 5005.

Full result here.

Full standings here.

Facts and Figures:

Leipzig presented Round 7 of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League series.

A total of 40 riders from 15 countries – Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine – competed in today’s class.

The host nation of Germany was represented by 14 horse-and-rider combinations.

France was represented by five horse-and-rider partnerships.

11 went clear over the first course to qualify for the second-round jump-off against the clock.

Today’s winning rider, 48-year-old Patrice Delaveau, was a prolific winner at Junior and Young Rider level.  At the age of 21 he took Team Bronze at the 1986 World Championships in Aachen, Germany.

He has been a highly successful member of the French senior team for many years.  He helped claim team silver for France at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at Lexington (USA) IN 2010 and was a member of the winning French team at the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in Barcelona, Spain last September.

In 2013, Delaveau became the first rider since 1971 to win both the Derby and Grand Prix at La Baule, France.

In March 2013 he steered today’s winning ride, the mare Lacrimoso HDC, to victory in the inaugural Longines Hong Kong Masters Grand Prix.

Longines No 1 rider, Great Britain’s Scott Brash, maintains the lead at the top of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League table after today’s competition.

Today’s result has rocketed Patrice Delaveau up to fourth place in the league standings.  With 43 points he is now qualified for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final which will take place on his home turf at Lyon, France from 17-21 April 2014.

The next leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League will take place in Zurich, Switzerland next Sunday, 26 January.

A massive crowd of 63,700 spectators attended the Partner Pferd Leipzig annual fixture this year and today’s Longines FEI World Cup Jumping qualifier took place in front of a full house.

Quote:

Germany’s Lars Nieberg who finished third with Leonie W today: “I really like the French national anthem, it’s one of my favourite tunes, but I was hoping I wasn’t going to be listening to it at the end of today’s competition!”

FEI YouTube: http://youtu.be/dKdgXaYjYl0

FEI TV: don’t miss a hoofbeat – www.feitv.org.

Longines Live Timing Jumping application: available free for download from The App Store (iPhone) & Android Markets. Combining precision and performance, this is a detailed and exclusive application designed especially for Jumping fans – follow live results, see latest Longines Rankings, view competition schedules, obtain exclusive information and alerts on your favorite riders and get all the latest FEI news.

Rider biographies: view online and download from http://fei.org/fei/your-role/media/biographies.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and its mount. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1912, Longines was proud to partner with its first Jumping event, the Grande Concurso Hippico Internacional, in Portugal.

Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Leipzig:

Andreas Kerstan
Email: andreas.kerstan@comtainment.de
Tel: +49 177 7532 624

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

At Longines:

Longines International Public Relations
publicrelations@longines.com

Delaveau Delivers Super Second-Leg Victory at Longines Qualifier in Helsinki

The French partnership of Patrice Delaveau and Orient Express HDC on their way to victory in the second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League 2013/2014 series at Helsinki, Finland today.  Photo: FEI/Annette Boe Østergaard.

Helsinki (FIN), 20 October 2013 – Patrice Delaveau produced a stunning victory with Orient Express HDC at the second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League 2013/2014 series in Helsinki, Finland this afternoon.  Second-last to go in the eight-horse jump-off against the clock, the French partnership snatched victory from London 2012 Olympic champions Steve Guerdat and Nino des Buissonnets from Switzerland.

Ireland’s Shane Breen steered his talented 10-year-old stallion, Balloon, into third ahead of Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson and H&M Tornesch in fourth.  This was a most impressive result for the Swedish rider’s horse, as he had an eye surgically removed only a few short months ago, but seems to have lost nothing of his talent or of his zest for his job on his return to top-class competition.

Fifth place went to Luciana Diniz who enjoyed another spectacular day with her lovable grey stallion Winningmood, and the Portuguese rider now lies second on the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League leaderboard at this early stage of the 11-leg series, while Steve Guerdat is well out in front having already collected 34 points to date.

Particularly Tough Challenge

The ice-hockey ring at the Hartwall Arena at Helsinki always presents a particularly tough challenge for the world’s best Jumping horses and riders, and an equally-difficult task for the course designer.  Before the competition began, Baryard-Johnsson said the “tiny arena” comes as “a bit of a shock” after a summer of jumping outdoors, “and the first few indoor shows are always quite hard anyway,” she added.  It didn’t stop herself and her big, brave stallion from posting the first clear of the day however when second into the ring.

Aki Ylanne sent them off over a twisting track that included a double – vertical to oxer – and a treble – oxer, vertical, oxer – at fences four an 11 which both proved particularly influential.  The height of the poles and the stretches over the big, wide oxers were challenging enough, but it was the relentless pace at which the fences came up, often off corners and without any possibility of a last-minute adjustment of any kind, that really racked up the pressure.

It was a quick-fire affair from the outset, and poles dropped at various points around the arena, but while four riders opted to retire, a total of 12 made it home leaving just one fence on the floor, while eight went forward to the timed round.  A notable four-faulting duo were three-time FEI World Cup Jumping champion Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum from Germany and her fabulous mare, Bella Donna, who put in a copybook performance only to hit the very last.

Lovely Second Clear

Baryard-Johnsson led the way in the jump-off with a lovely second clear from the 13-year-old H&M Tornesch whose recovery from his operation in July has been quite spectacular.  The stallion had been battling with an eye issue for the last eight years and when it became more problematic this summer it was decided to remove it, so the top Swedish lady rider had to step down from her national side for the PSI FEI European Jumping Championships at Herning, Denmark in August.  She said before today’s competition that she wasn’t sure what to expect this afternoon, but she was in for a very pleasant surprise as her horse showed all of his usual flair and power as he crossed through the finish line in 38.03 seconds to set the early target.

The new course began over the oxer at fence nine and swept left-handed to the water-tray vertical at five and water-tray oxer at six before swinging right-handed to the vertical at three.  The speed with which riders could make the roll-back to the second two elements of the former triple combination was critical, and from there it was on to the penultimate oxer at fence 12 and a long gallop to the final vertical, the former fence 10 jumped in the opposite direction.

Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Conte Della Caccia lowered the water-tray oxer at fence six to return with four faults in 40.95 seconds, but Spain’s Julio Arias and Quinai des Chayottes were clear and super-fast until hitting the very last.  Their time of 36.11 seconds showed there it was more than possible to improve on Baryard-Johnsson’s target, and Steve Guerdat backed that up when scorching into the lead in 35.99 seconds.

Valuable Seconds

It seemed that Luciana Diniz might give the Swiss rider a run for his money until an awkward jump over the second of the remaining two elements of the triple combination saw her scrambling for her reins on the landing side which cost valuable seconds. Her brilliant stallion, Winningmood, however, wants nothing more than to please his rider as he demonstrated with conviction in the opening round, and despite the momentary confusion he just galloped on to leave all the fences intact and to break the beam in 38.20 seconds which was always guaranteed to pick up valuable points.

With just three now left to go, it seemed possible that Guerdat would go one better than he did at Oslo last weekend where he had to settle for runner-up spot, and would take the maximum 20 points on offer this time around.  Ireland’s Shane Breen produced a fantastic run from his ever-improving stallion Balloon to stop the clock on 37.14 seconds which posed no threat to the leader, but Delaveau was always a danger.  This is a man with an inbuilt speedometer, and with his stallion, Orient Express HDC, living up to his name and going like a train they shaved 1.5 seconds off the leaders thanks to amazing cornering skills and the ability to run and jump without the slightest hesitation.  The scoreboard showed the French partnership in the lead in the time of 34.23 seconds as Britain’s Michael Whitaker set off with Amai, and when the final element of the former triple combination hit the floor it was all over, and Delaveau had indeed delivered.

Difficult to Overcome

He said afterwards, “I saw Steve take the lead two horses before (in the jump-off), and I knew he would be quick and very difficult to overcome.” The French rider added, “I really had to perform at my best to beat him today, and I’m delighted I did!”

Second-placed Guerdat said, “I have one of the few horses that is airborne! To be honest, I should have taken more risks today. I rode a very safe jump-off without taking any risks. I didn’t know whether I was going to ride today until the very last moment, and in the end, I am very happy with the result.”

Shane Breen was more than happy with third place partnering his promising stallion. “Balloon was terrific this weekend,” said the Irishman who lives at the Hickstead showgrounds in Great Britain. “I saw Steve go and I know how quick he is – it was going to take something special to beat him today. I was a bit wide at the double (the remaining two elements of the triple combination in the jump-off) but I’m delighted with my clear. Patrice was always going to be really fast, and I am thrilled to have come third!” he pointed out.

Breen also finished third in yesterday’s Grand Prix at the Finnish fixture. “It is my first time here in Helsinki and I am really happy with my placing in both competitions. The courses were quite tricky and the lines were severe – you had to be accurate and on the ball, while your horses really needed to stretch and make an effort on the course.

My horse is getting better and better. I am delighted with him. He is 10 years old and every year is improving – if he can improve 10 per cent again next year, then we’re going to do great things!” he added.

But today belonged to Delaveau, who talked about the horse that also carried him to victory as part of the winning French team at the thrilling inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in Barcelona, Spain last month. “Orient Express is an exceptional horse with great quality and a massive heart. He is undoubtedly one of the best horses in Europe – he’s a real gem!” he said proudly.

For more information on the second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League series at Helsinki, Finland, go to website www.helsinkihorseshow.com, or contact Press Officer Kati Hurme-Leikkonen, Email kati.hurme@helsinkihorseshow.fi or kati.l.hurme@kolumbus.fi.

The next leg takes place at Verona, Italy on Sunday 10 November.  For information on the Italian fixture, go to www.jumpingverona.it or contact Press Officer Caterina Vagnozzi, c.vagnozzi@gmail.com, Tel: +39.338.4609287.

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

39 horse-and-rider combinations lined out in today’s second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League at Helsinki, Finland.

18 nations were represented.

8 riders qualified for the second-round jump-off against the clock.

12 horse-and-rider combinations collected just four faults in the first round.

4 retirements in the first round.

Course designer was Finland’s Aki Ylanni.

Winning rider, Patrice Delaveau from France, is 48 years old and lives in the small village of Le Pin, Calvados in the Basse Normandie region of France.

Olympic champion, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, finished second and leads the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League table going into the third leg of the series at Verona, Italy on 10 November.

Today’s competition took place at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, which is an ice-hockey ring.

Quotes:

Tom Gordin, Helsinki Show Director: “It is amazing for us that the best riders in the world come to Helsinki. It is very challenging for the horses geographically speaking, so we have to ensure we produce something that is up to par for the occasion.

The riders here are all role models, and we had the biggest world cup audience ever today – 8,000 spectators in total. We have had 951,000 visitors since the inception of the show and we hope to break the 1 million mark in 2014. The competition will be taking place next year from 23-26 October 2014.”

Aki Ylanne, Course Designer: “We need to have lighter material for the next years. The arena is a bit small for this level of competition. This is one of the biggest courses we have built because of the level of the competition this year. We had a good number of horses qualify for the jump-off which is always a positive thing – the level of show jumping today was top class.”

Steve Guerdat (SUI): “It is an amazing show and one that improves year after year. The arena is beautiful, the additional of a new warm-up arena is fantastic and the prize money is great. A massive well done to the organizers.”

Anna-Julia Kontio (FIN), who collected just four faults with Fardon to finish in 19th place: “I actually made the same mistake today as I did yesterday. I knew the triple combination was going to be the trickiest part of the course. The horse was a bit too fast and went a bit too forward unfortunately.  I am planning to ride the Zurich World Cup but we’ll see; I don’t know yet.”

FEI TV: don’t miss a hoofbeat – www.feitv.org.

Longines Live Timing Jumping application: available free for download from The App Store (iPhone) & Android Markets. Combining precision and performance, this is a detailed and exclusive application designed especially for Jumping fans – follow live results, see latest Longines Rankings, view competition schedules, obtain exclusive information and alerts on your favorite riders and get all the latest FEI news.

Longines FEI World Cup Jumping press kit: download from www.feipresskits.org (contains series calendar, competition schedule, online media tools and history).

Rider biographies: view online and download from http://fei.org/fei/your-role/media/biographies.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and its mount. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1912, Longines was proud to partner with its first Jumping event, the Grande Concurso Hippico Internacional, in Portugal.

Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

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By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Helsinki:

Kati Hurme-Leikkonen
Email: kati.l.hurme@kolumbus.fi
Tel: +358 40 514 4753

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

At Longines:

Longines International Public Relations
publicrelations@longines.com