Grand Prix Longines of La Baule : Victory for Eric Lamaze & Hickstead

The victory of the Grand Prix Longines of La Baule was won by the reigning Olympic Champion, Eric Lamaze and Hickstead.

The Vice World Champion by (team), Pénélope Leprévost (FRA) and Mylord Carthago placed 2nd followed by the German, Carsten Otto Nagel with his horse, Corradina.

There were 47 starting couples in this illustrious Grand Prix designed by Frederic Cottier with 13 jumps over a 500m course with a maximum allowed time of 75 seconds. The double jump (n° 4), the triple jumps (n° 8) and the river jump (n° 11) caused most of the problems during this Grand Prix. This was the case for Kevin Staut (FRA)/Banda de Hus (4 faults on the last triple jump) and also for Simon Delestre (FRA)/Vancouver (4 faults on the 2nd double jump). Marcus Ehning (GER) and Noltes Küchengirl retired from the competition after hitting three bars out of three jumps on the triple. Only 11 couples jumped clear and qualified for the jump-off: Michel Robert (FRA)/Kellemoi de Pepita, Billy Twomey (IRL)/J’Taime Flamenco, Eric Lamaze (CAN)/Hickstead, Julien Epaillard (FRA)/Mister Davier, Vincent Voorn (NED)/Audi Alpapillon- Armanie, Carsten Otto Nagel (GER)/Corradina, Marc Houtzager (NETH)/Sterrehof’s Opium, Philippe Le Jeune (BEL)/Vigo d’Arsouilles, Pénélope Leprévost (FRA)/Mylord Carthago, Philipp Weishaupt (GER)/Catoki et Robert Smith (GBR)/Talan. It was second world ranked rider, Eric Lamaze on Hickestead, that proved to be the fastest couple during the jump-off. His fabulous stallion scored a time of 37’’22. Pénélope Leprévost (FRA) was close behind with a time of 37”45, placing her and Mylord Carthago in second place. With a time of 38’’19, Carsten Otto Nagel and Corradina were the third couple to rise to the podium in this important Grand Prix.

The Awards Ceremony was slightly delayed as the Official Jury replayed the video of Eric Lamaze and Hickstead jumping the N° 2 jump at a sharp angle. After several viewings, the Jury unanimously declared this Olympic Champion couple the winner of the Grand Prix Longines of La Baule !!!