Nicolas Delmotte (FRA) and Ilex VP. Ph. ©Pixels events
One more time, the public of Dinard that was 18,500 people strong, filled up the stands of the Val Porée stadium in Dinard, France to encourage with enthusiasm some of the best riders in the world.
The Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard CSI5* went to France’s Nicolas Delmotte, and the nine-year-old stallion Ilex VP by Diamant de Semilly.
Out of the 33 pairs on the start list for this 1.60m class designed by the international course designer Jean François Morand, only two cleared the Round 1 course without fault, and were called to ride the final phase against the clock.
The final phase against the clock was run according to a very unusual scenario. Delmotte and Ilex VP went first and jumped a clear round in 45.66 seconds, leaving room for Karim Elzoghby to find a faster track with his mount Amelia.
But after Elzoghby and Amelia ticked a rail at the first fence of the jumpoff, the Egyptian rider decided to retire, as his 2nd place was suddenly inevitable.
Delmotte, who is based in Douai in the North of France, thanked the Mars family for the organization of Dinard, and the owners of this very promising stallion (who was competing in his first CSI5*), Beatrice Martens and Véronique Daems Vastapane.
If he found the course rather delicate, Nicolas paid tribute to the course designer not asking unnecessary efforts to the horses.
Elzogby, in very fair play, said he was very happy to be back in this stadium he knows very well since he worked in Britttany for 20 years. He promised to be back if his only horse, Amélia, is still in good shape next year.
See the complete results here.