A first victory for the American continent at the Grand Palais with a magnificent demonstration by the Brazilian Alvaro de Miranda and his young horse AD Wilbert Z.
The Prix de la Ville de Paris was set up like a Grand Prix: one round and a jump-off for which thirteen riders qualified, amongst them the Olympic champion Eric Lamaze. World number 1, the Frenchman Kevin Staut, did not qualify for the final for having been a bit too slow in the first round, despite Zeat de Hus’ beautiful faultless performance.
Many faults were committed in the jump-off and just when it seemed that the American Beezie Madden had secured her position as the winner, Alvaro de Miranda entered the scene… and stole the show with AD Wilbert Z, a horse of only 8 years, which is rare at this level: “It’s a wonderful competition that is impeccably organized”, said the Brazilian in equally impeccable French.
“To win a class such as this with a horse that is but 8 years old and who won the Grand Prix of San Remo last week and was victorious here today, in front of all the world’s best riders, you cannot imagine how happy I am! He is a sensational horse and thus simplifies the life of a rider.”
AD Wilbert Z is a product of the famous stud farm Zangersheide. His father Picasso Z is a horse, with whom Alvaro de Miranda was also successful at international level. A beautiful and promising family history!
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