CCI2*Lignières-en-Berry : Nicolas Touzaint unstoppable
With three withdrawals after the second vet inspection, the British contingent has reduced its ambitions. But the best riders passed this test without difficulty. They still remained the jump of obstacles to overcome, designed by the French course designer Xavier Leger. Over the tours, the public learned quickly that producing a clear round would be quite difficult. The final statistics confirmed this impression: 8 out of 51 couples without fault at the start, which means that no fault could bring a great “boost”. Nicolas Wettstein (ECU) did it (he moves from the 36th to 16th place), as Valentin Adamot (FRA) who finished 14th (34th last night). The successful operation of the weekend is for Jean-Lou Bigot (FRA), 18th after dressage, 12th after the cross and who finally integrates the top 5 (5th) with Quenji de Beny. In terms of suspense, the audience was served. Among the top 10 in the standings, only the 9th Martin Denisot (FRA) managed to sign a clear round, which, given the small difference that separated the podium (4 points), potentially propelled on it. Running in the reverse order, the best couples followed up with faults: 4 points for Camille Guyot (SUI) and Gilles Bordes (FRA), 8 for Jesse Campbell (NZL), 12 for Amy Crerar (GBR) and Lucy Jackson (NZL) … it gave a little air in top three.
Price / Bodenmüler / Touzaint : THE powerhouse!
One rail down and Tim Price (NZL) could say goodbye to the podium. Fortunately, his faithful Vortex jumped over obstacles without difficulty. “I am delighted with this result,” says Tim. “Vortex is just our favorite. He celebrates his 19 birthday and still answers present. Lignières may be his last competition… in early 2013 we'll see if he still wants to play!” Purchased at the age of 7 years, Vortex previously ran a few races in New Zealand.” We sold him in Sweden but bought again when he was twelve. Since then he has participated in Badminton, Pau, and many other 3 and 4 stars competitions” says Jonelle Richards, Tim's friend and member of the Olympic team in London.
The 27-year-old Eveline Bodenmüller (SUI) showed his talent and ability to withstand pressure. With 1.30 pt ahead of Tim Price, she had to make a clear round to keep her second place. Her beautiful grey Waldmann buckled a perfect lap. “I had a great weekend here” tells the rider living near Zurich. “Soil, stables, parties, everything is great! The atmosphere is fantastic!”. Bought when he was two and a half years, Waldmann is jointly owned by Eveline and others Swiss owners. If Waldmann will rest a bit now, Eveline, who is teacher in college the rest of the time, will now prepare for the CCI3* of Boekelo (NED).
She will find there Nicolas Touzaint, who adds another victory to his record in Lignières. All smiles, the Angevin savor the beautiful shape of Lesbos who flew over this last test, despite a small touch on the penultimate obstacle. Such delighted at the prize giving ceremony, that he did five laps of honor for the delight of the spectators! The couple has so dominated the race from start to finish.
In the Berry Cup, team competition, the French young riders team wins to French Senior Team (2nd) and Italy (3rd). Martin Denisot (FRA) associated with Quiro Hoy, best couple of the team finished in 4th place individually.
CIC1* Cavalleria Toscana: victory for Geoffroy Soullez (FRA), Lara de Liedekerke (BEL) 2nd and 4th
He also dominated the event since the beginning of the competition. Winner of the dressage, the rider from the Haras de Jardy has registered only one fault in the second jumping test, leaving him alone in the lead. The rain fell in the night from Saturday to Sunday did not start the motivation Geoffroy Soullez, who could then sign his second win of the season with his faithful Madiran du Liot. While some couples experienced minor setbacks on the cross Sunday afternoon (8 eliminated and 23 experienced at least one refusal) the two prosecutors put Geoffroy maximum pressure. Lara de Liedekerke (BEL) and Bertrand Vuatoux (FRA) in ambush for dressage, ended actually a cross without incident. There remained only to Geoffroy to imitate what he did without trembling. “This is obviously a great victory in addition to that of Melay and 2nd place in Jardy” said Geoffroy Soullez. “Madiran gradually coming back confident after a few scares. Probably run it at national event in Saumur early November to end his season. Hopefully start on bigger events next year.” A rider has made noticeable this weekend and she is Belgian: Lara de Liedekerke. At 24 years old, who played the 2010 World Championships in Lexington (USA) continues its already successful career by winning the 2nd and 4th places of this CIC1 *, respectively with Alpaga d'Arville and Averouge des Quatre Chênes. “They were both 6 years and proved full of quality,” says Lara. “I will ride Alpaga at Young Eventing Horses World Championships in October at the Lion d'Angers. I think he has a chance to be in the top 5 … we'll see”. Bertrand Vuatoux (FRA) completes the podium associated to Quirikou Bougaux. “He was great today, although sometimes it can be a bit player. It was a good day”. Bertrand also participates to the World Championship, but with his other horse, Risotto Mail, already crowned French Champion in September in Pompadour.
Trophies
• Best 7 years old horse – PubliGift Price: Lancelot 359, ridden by Jesse Campbell (NZL).
• The most stylish rider – Farnam Price: Brice Luda (FRA).
• Best 6 years old horse – DGM-Publigift Trophy: Alpaga d'Arville, ridden by Lara de Liedekerke (BEL).