The ‘Internationaux de Dressage’ of Compiègne opened its’ doors today, Friday the 18th May 2018, with the Grand Prix of the CDI 3* that boasted an exceptional start list, the CDI 2* and Young Riders Prix St-Georges, and the Juniors and Pony Team Tests.
Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED) commenced the weekend strongly by winning 3* Grand Prix – Engie Réseaux, making sure that the Dutch national anthem was the first to be heard. Partnering his 10 year old stallion Glock’s Dream Boy, the pair left the judges in agreement, and achieved 71.457%: “I’m very happy with my test, even if there were a few mistakes. Glock’s Dream Boy is inexperienced, it’s only his third 3* Grand Prix. It’s also the first time he’s travelled so far and seeing ponies around in the stable area surprised him a bit (he laughs)! But he gave a good feeling, behaving very well in the test. He needs to do more shows to gain experience. I think he’s a super horse, I really believe in him.” declared the rider after the prize-giving ceremony.
Adelinde Cornelissen and Zephyr (NED) performing with fluency took second place on 70.652%. Third place went to Jeroen Devroe and Hyrano (BEL), who scored 68.630%.
Anne-Sophie Serre riding Vistoso de Massa (68.413%) was the highest scoring French competitor, sharing fifth place with Tommie Visser/Variohippique’s Vingino (NED). The Italian Riccardo Sanavio slipped into fourth on Glock’s Federleicht.
In the CDI 2*, the Netherlands were again in the spotlight, monopolising the Prix St-Georges – Barriquand podium. Diederik van Silfhout/Scenario 2 won the class on 72.941%, followed by their compatriots Adelinde Cornelissen/Fleau de Baian (72.912%) and Patrick van der Meer/President’s First Apple (72.353%). Three riders who will also be defending their country on their top horses, from tomorrow onwards in the CMNE CDIO 5* – FEI Nations Cup.
Alongside the big names, the hopefuls were able to enjoy riding their first tests during a lovely sunny day here at Compiègne. The Juniors and Pony ‘Team Test – Département de l’Oise’ were won by Marten Luiten/Fynona (NED) with 71.111% and Annabella Pidgley/Cognac IX (GBR) with 73.095%.
The “Hauts de France” region supported the Young Riders Prix St-Georges – Team Test and saw Febe van Zwambagt/FS Las Vegas (NED) with 71.225%.
Tomorrow, Saturday the 19th of May, eight classes are awaiting competitors with notably the 3* CDI Grand Prix Freestyle – Eurovia (Freestyle to music) in the main arena. It is also the start of the Children’s classes but above all, the eagerly awaited CMNE 5*CDIO Nations Cup kicks off with the Grand Prix – Ville de Compiègne.
Rendezvous from 8am onwards at the Grand Parc Equestrian stadium!
Time table, start lists & results: www.worldsporttiming.com/results/timing-1011.html