After a first day of competition yesterday, it was the turn of the CMNE FEI CDIO 5* Nations Cup, a unique event in France, to open its’ curtains in front of full stands at this venue located within the heart of the Compiègne forest. 7 teams and 26 couples took the start in the first class, the Grand Prix – Ville de Compiègne, with at the close of the day, Sweden taking the lead in front of Denmark and the Netherlands.
Cathrine Dufour & Atterupgaards Cassidy (DEN)
The teams will be divided tomorrow with certain competing in the Grand Prix Spécial – Suez and the others in the Grand Prix Freestyle – Crédit Mutuel Nord Europe, however all the riders took part in today’s Grand Prix, which puts the seven teams into a provisional order.
It was the eagerly awaited World number 4 Cathrine Dufour with Atterupgaards Cassidy (DEN) who dominate, achieving a score of 79.696%. Congratulated by the Mayor of Compiègne and Honorary Senator, Monsieur Philippe Marini, who whilst awarding the trophy said he wished to « sincerely commend an exceptional test and performance ». A talented rider but also an actively involved coach, she hurried off straight after the prize-giving, to give some last minute advice to one of her pupils competing in the pony classes.
The podium was completed by two Swedish riders, who, thanks to their precious placings have allowed their Nation to take an overnight lead on 10 points: Juliette Ramel/Buriel K.H. (74.783%) and Patrik Kittel/Well Done de la Roche CMF (74.543%). Results completed by their compatriot Antonia Ramel/Brother de Jeu (5th – 72.326%), the placing of Rose Mathisen/Zuidenwind 1187 (7th – 71.087%) was not counted as only the three best performances are taken into consideration.
Before the big final tomorrow, Sunday, Denmark is second on 25 points and the Netherlands in third place on 28 points.
Disappointing performances for the home nation, France, who found themselves in 6th place. The best French performance was given by Morgan Barbançon Mestre, 13th and who scored 69.000%, notably penalised by her two time canter changes on Sir Donnerhall II Old.
On this beautiful sunny day, in the CDI 3*, competitors had the opportunity to ride their Grand Prix Freestyle – Eurovia tests where the synchronisation with the music, the artistic score, is added to a highly impressive level of technicality. Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) finishes 1st with Zephyr, followed by her fellow countrywoman Denise Nekeman/Boston STH (73.260%) and the British rider Sonar Murray Brown/Erlentanz (72.690%).
The final two classes in the CDI 2* were contested today. Spaniard Borja Carrascosa managed to take control in the Intermediaire 1 with Die Fuerstin VG (68.853%), and was closely followed by Isabelle Pinto/La Gesse Hot Chocolate van de Kwaplas (68.353%) representing France, and Becky Moody/Eureko (68.147%) who rides for Great Britain. In the Intermediaire 1 Freestyle, we find the 100% Dutch podium of the day before in a slightly different order: Diederik van Silfhout/Scenario 2 (77.500%), Patrick van der Meer/President’s First Apple (76.050%) et Adelinde Cornelissen/Fleau de Baian (75.975%).
The younger generation saw three prize-giving ceremonies taking place in their categories following the ‘Individual Tests’. In the Juniors, Belgian Amber van den Steen imposed riding Fame, obtaining the very good score of 75.049%. Dutch Febe van Zwambagt continued yesterday’s winning streak with a repeat today in the Young Riders class with FS Las Vegas (72.108%). Just like Annabella Pigdley (GBR) in the Pony category, who today took 1st and 2nd places with Ine (73.198%) and Cognac IX (72.568%).
As for the Children (12-14 year old), they started their competition. The first class, the Team Test, was marked by the victory of Lara van Nek and Fariska (NED) who obtained the score of 72.436%.
Tomorrow, last day of competition and not the least! On the cards: seven classes from 8.10am onwards, including the CDIO 5* Grand Prix Spécial and the Grand Prix Freestyle which is always a huge crowd pleaser. It’s equally the opportunity to watch and see the winners crowned, at this Compiègne stop-over on the prestigious Nations Cup circuit.