Eric Lamaze & Fine Lady 5 Win CSIO5* Opener at La Baule

Ph. PSV Jean Morel
Ph. PSV Jean Morel
Ph. PSV Jean Morel
-->

Eric Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 proved victorious on the opening day of CSIO 5* La Baule in the Brittany region of France, coming into the main arena for the start of the CSI5* competition early in the afternoon. 64 pairs were on the start list of the FFE French Tour – Generali class, under Table A against the clock, a 1.50m qualifier for Sunday’s Longines Grand Prix of the city of La Baule.

The course, designed by Frédéric Cottier proved to be selective, just like the time allowed of 80 seconds: only seven pairs managed to rider clear within the time.

On the favourites side, the world n°1 Simon Delestre of France picked up 2 penalty points for extra time with Qlassic Bois Margot, Kevin Staut also of France had a rail down with Elky van Het Indihof HDC, just like Bertram Allen of Ireland and Romanov. British rider Scott Brash and Hello Guv’nor completed the course on 5 penalty points, like French rider Patrice Delaveau and Orient Express HDC, Steve Guerdat of Switzerland and Bianca as well as Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum of Germany.

The bill was even heavier for some others: Abdelkebir Ouaddar (MAR) knocked two rails (8 points) with Quickly de Kreisker, like Pénélope Leprevost (FRA) and Nice Stephanie. Ludger Beerbaum (GER), got 11 penalty points with Chiara 222, his fellow citizen Christian Ahlmann (world n°2), associated to Reavnir, completed the course with 16 points. Daniel Deusser (GER) was eliminated with Zoe II.

On the other hand, it was the Canadian Eric Lamaze who handled the difficulties perfectly with Artisan Farn’s Fine Lady 5. The second place went to the Belgian rider Gudrun Patteet and Sea Coast Atlantic. The Brazilian Stephan De Freitas Barcha and Quentin PJ finished 3rd, and the top-placing French pair, Alexandra Paillot and Polias de Blondel placed 9th.

Jerome Hurel ended the first day of competition with a victory for France in the final class of the day, the Prix FACO 1.40m. He picked up top honors aboard Urano, with Lauren Hough of the USA coming in 2nd on Street Hassle, and Jane Richard Phillips placing 3rd for Switzerland with Dieudonne de Guldenboom.

See full results at this link.