Nick Skelton invincible in the Estoril Grand Prix

Once again British Riders proved their incredible talent by taking both first and third place in the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Estoril, Portugal.

Keeping spectators on the edge of their seats it was Nick Skelton and the impressive bay stallion, Arko III that stormed into first place by producing one of the only three double clears of the competition. In a time that proved unbeatable he secured the €100,000 first prize by just .06 of a second ahead of Swiss rider Beat Mandli relegating fellow rider Robert Smith into third place with the only other double clear but in a slightly slower time.

35 combinations started in the “Grand Prix Turismo de Portugal IP”. The best 18 combination came back for the second round, among which were 6 combinations with a clear first round and the other twelve with 4 faults. Among the clear combinations were World Cup winner Beat Mändli (SUI) and Edwina Alexander (AUS), fourth at the World Equestrian Games of 2006.

In round two only three combinations managed to be double clear and advanced to the jump off. First to go was Robert Smith (GBR) and Ronaldo (Ahorn x Cilmosa) who were clear in 41.98 seconds. Beat Mändli with his famous Ideo du Thot managed to stay clear almost two seconds faster in 40.01. Mändli “With Nick in the back you never know but everything worked out great in this super class. Everyone beat each other and I am very happy to be here in Estoril for the first time. It is a super showground and with the jumping in the night you have time during the day to also enjoy the beautiful beaches”.

Nick Skelton rode for all he and his thirteen year old stallion Arko III (Argentinus x Unika) were worth and took home the victory in 39.95 seconds. He took a different turn to the second to last jump and that turned out to be a good decision. Skelton: “My horse turns better on the left hand so for me it was a good opportunity and it worked! I am very happy with the result tonight since my horse just came back after a nine month injury and jumped as good as he ever did. It is like Beat my first time in Estoril and I am impressed by the show. The ground is good, course designer did a good job and the prize money is well needed!

In Estoril there are only two international classes that are jumped in the evening. When the riders were asked for their opinion on this schedule and on the concept of the Global Champions Tour they all agreed it was good for top sport. Nick Skelton “Like this you have a much better focus. Horses are not machines and with fewer competitions that offer really good money, grounds and course designers the horses last longer. It will be the future for our sport”.

For the near future Nick Skelton and Robert Smith both hope to continue with the Global Champions Tour for the European shows in Valkenswaard, Arezzo and Athens. Beat Mändli said he is normally selected for the European Championships where both Robert and Nick will not likely be participating for Great Britain.

When asked if they will aim their horses for the Olympic Games for next year Nick replied: “I am saving my horse for the Global Champions Tour of 2008!

For the next stage the Global Champions Tour will travel to South America for the very first time. The Athina Onassis International Horse Show will take place from August 2nd to 5th.

Results (21.07.07)
CSI5* Estoril
Grand Prix – 1,60m
Two Rounds with jump off

1º Nick Skelton (Gbr) / Arko III / 0 / 0 / 0 – 39,95s
2º Beat Mändli (Sui) / Ideo Du Thot / 0 / 0 / 0 – 40,01
3º Robert Smith (Gbr) / Ronaldo / 0 / 0 / 0 – 41,98
4º Stefan Eder (Aut) / Cartier Psg / 4 / 0 – 67,6
5º Thomas Frühmann (Aut) / The Sixth Sense / 4 / 0 – 70,11
6º Luciana Diniz (Por) / Son of Marco / 4 / 0 – 70,59
7º Cameron Hanley (Irl) / Siec Concept / 0 / 4 – 75,14
8º Eugenie Angot (Fra) / Ilostra Dark / 4 / 1 – 69,7
9º Edwina Alexander (Aus) / Sócrates / 0 / 5 – 70,72
10º Jaime Azcarraga (Mex) / Presley Boy / 4 / 1 – 71,83