Simone Blum and Steve Guerdat shining in La Baule

Published 21/05/2019 at 18:17 GMT

As usual, the fifty-nine edition of La Baule offered an amazing show for both riders and horse lovers. Steve Guerdat was in a great shape this week end as he was the leader of the winning team of the Nations Cup and he finished second in the Grand Prix with his marvelous Albfuehren’s Bianca. The Swedish was defeated in the Grand Prix by Germany’s Simone Blum on DSP Alice.

Image credit: Eurosport

For her very first time in La Baule, it seems that the sea air was benefic for Germany’s Simone Blum. Over the eight riders qualified for the jump-off among the forty-five starters in the Grand Prix, she managed to shine on DSP Alice, the same mare that lead her to the World Champion’s title in Tryon last September. The Grand Prix was absolutely thrilling as the first three couples finished in the same second. Indeed, Simone Blum in 43.33 seconds was followed by Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat on Albfuehren’s Bianca in 43.82 seconds and Ireland’s Darragh Kenny on Important de Muze on 43.90 seconds. On the fourth place, Great Britain’s Amy Inglis on Wishes was the last clear couple in the jump-off.

This week-end in La Baule was also the first leg of the Longines Nations Cup. Switzerland managed to do a great start in the circuit as they took the first place. The team was composed by the brilliant couple Steve Guerdat and Albfuehren’s Bianca, Niklaus Rutschi on Cardano Ch, Bryan Balsiger on Cluzot de Lassus and Paul Estermann on Lord Pepsi. Belgium took the second position with Nicola Philippaerts on H&M Chilli Willi, Niels Bruynseels on Utamaro d’Ecaussines, Pieter Devos on Claire Z and Gregory Wathelet on MJT Nevados S. France with Nicolas Delmotte on Ilex VP, Thierry Rozier on Venezia d’Ecaussines, Penelope Leprevost on Vancouver de Lanlore and Alexis Deroubaix on Timon d’Aure, took the third position in front of their home crowd. Things did not go as smoothly for Great Britain. With William Funnell on Billy Buckingham, Harry Charles on Lordanos Junior, Amy Inglis on Wishes and Holly Smith with Hearts Destiny, the team took the second to last position.

In addition to the Grand Prix and the Nations Cup, spectators also enjoyed the mythical derby of La Baule. Only two riders managed to do a clear round, France’s Patrice Delaveau and Olivier Guillion. With 129.94 seconds on the timer against 143.94 seconds, Patrice Delaveau on Vestale de Mazure HDC offered himself his fourth victory in the derby. Oliver Guillon with Andain du Thalie had to settle for the second place followed by Ireland’s Mark McAuley on Miebello and Steve Guerdat with Evita.

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