Sunday afternoon the Hubside Jumping in Grimaud’s CSI 4* Grand Prix in St. Tropez played host to what could be called the cream of the discipline: 45 competitors, among the best riders in the world, Olympic champions, European champions, show jumping legends and the two best riders in the current World rankings. It’s true that after three months of sport being at a complete standstill, the riders were keen to go back to the showgrounds, and all of them are aware that there will not be many shows to go to this year.
The Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten riding Dana Blue was victorious on the course designed by Andrea Colombo, the Italian course designer, ahead of Belgium’s Jos Verlooy and Italy’s Emilio Biocchi. Simon Delestre, the best French rider was fourth with Berlux Z.
“It was a fabulous jump-off !” said van der Vleuten. “And I must admit that all week the jump-offs have been great to ride! On Friday, I was already qualified for the jump-off of a big class with Dana Blue, but I made a mistake in a turn because I was over confident. So today I really wanted to ride well for my mare who really deserves this. She is naturally very fast and all she needs is to be ridden well.
“It’s my first time competing at the Hubside Jumping and I’m delighted! The facilities are great, they are very spacious, there are lots of places where you can train in the shade, the ring is huge and it’s always very sunny. I am really pleased that I’m staying for two more weeks, and that I’ll be taking part in the CSI5* show in July.”
Note: After a first weekend behind closed doors, the public and the press are expected again next week and the following ones!
Full results here.
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