The boots worn by Sydney Une Prince. ph: Thomas Reiner Photography
On Day 1 of the 2017 Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final, France’s Roger Yves Bost was disqualified from competition with the 11-year-old, Selle Francais, mare Sydney Une Prince (Baloubet Du Rouet x Alfa D’Elle).
At the standard FEI boot check immediately following their round on Thursday, September 28, the fetlock boots were deemed non-regulatory by stewards.
The jury noted a problem with the homologation of the ball protectors but addressed that there was no cheating or malice on the part of the French rider, who had been allowed to enter the arena several minutes earlier after being checked for the same protections. This incident will not prevent the partnership from competing in the final round on Saturday, September 25.
Bost issued the following statement on his Facebook page:
“Despite a superb performance from Sydney Une Prince in the first round of the [Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final], we are disqualified because of the protective balls that were considered non-regulatory after the course. The main thing is that the team of France is qualified for the final with 4 Points. We will focus on this goal!”