|
||
|
The event which is held annually in the breathtaking setting of Ramatuelle, near the iconic St. Tropez is renowned for its opulence and natural beauty, this location serves as the perfect backdrop for this elite gathering of equestrian talent.
From its prestigious location to its high-stakes competition and lavish celebrations, this event encapsulates the essence of luxury and athletic prowess. Celebrating the seamless fusion of sport and sophistication, the LGCT Grand Prix of St Tropez, Ramatuelle, was an unrivaled experience that showcased the finest in show jumping alongside an array of exclusive lifestyle elements.
In round 1, a gut wrenching single time fault from Abdel Saïd and Bonnie Amie proved the course was jumpable but meant they wouldn’t feature in the jump-off today. The clears then started coming thick and fast as Olivier Philippaerts with H&M Legend of Love and Simon Delestre on Dexter made sure to guarantee a jump-off.
As the first rider to go in the jump off, Olivier Philippaerts and H&M Legend of Love clearly had one thing on their mind. Quick and clear. The duo put the pressure on right out of the gate, meaning all riders to follow had to throw caution to the wind.
Setting the pace for those that followed, Simon Delestre and Dexter proved their reliability and competitive edge. Stopping the clock at 39.32 seconds, the crowd both in attendance and streaming live on GCTV thought the top podium position was decided.
Just when spectators didn’t think it could get any faster, temperatures soared when Julien Epiallard and Donatello d'Auge shifted up a gear with fantastic tight turns. On the exact same time as Delestre mid course, he threw everything at the last line to claim the lead in 38.40 sec.
A danger to Epiallard’s lead, Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson set off to a flying start. They made up the ground in between, but as he propelled to the last he got a little too deep and the fence came crashing down costing him the win against some of the biggest names in the sport.
The crowd were on their feet as Christian Kukuk and Mumbai entered into the arena, knowing that if anyone could beat Epillard and Dexter’s time, it was this combination. Giving it his all, it looked as if the pair were set to take the win but as they crossed the finish line the Longines clock showed it was a French win for 2023!
So it would be Julien Epiallard who sparkled in Saint-Tropez and earned his place in the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Prague this November. The thrilling Championship race now moves along the glittering French Riviera coastline to Cannes, for the sixth leg of the 2023 season!