Saturday, July 10th was a perfect day for the Guerdat family on the Arena Grandes Ecuries at the Masters of Chantilly in France, with victory for Steve Guerdat, who won the Ducati Prize, and a second-place finish and first 5* rosette for his young wife, Fanny Skalli, in the Prix H&H.

“I’m going to frame this rosette,” said Fanny Skalli of her very first CSI 5* ribbon with Jonka, nicknamed ‘The Duchess’. It was the reward for placing second in the afternoon’s Prix H&H, a 1.45m class with a three-horse jump-off where the rider from southern France put the pressure on from the start with a very fast time. But with just 36-100ths of a second less, Nicolas Delmotte riding Citadin du Chatellier deprived her of first place. Canada’s Mario Deslauriers was 4th in the class with Clarimo ASK.

“For me, it’s almost like a victory, but he could have been a gentleman,” laughed the young mother who can’t help but express a little regret. “If I had taken one stride less when I went to the wall, I could have gained a few tenths, but I am very happy… it is my second 5* class and I was already placed yesterday with Jonka who was clear; today she is double-clear, what more could I ask for? The Duchess has a huge heart, she is incredible, she has a solid mind, she is just perfect.”

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