ph. Jessica Rodriguez
It was a total French domination in the Prix Hermès Sellier at Saut Hermés yesterday, as the top three consisted of France’s Julien Epaillard, Roger-Yves Bost and Penelope Leprevost. Entering the beautiful ring in the Grand Palais in the middle of the 39 rider class, Julien Epaillard set up the pace aboard Casall-son Cristallo A LM from the outset. “It’s true that not all the riders gave it a 100% because some of them wanted to make sure they qualified for the Saut Hermès class tomorrow. I also wanted to qualify, but with a view to riding Mister tomorrow, so I really went for it while also ensuring my qualification.”
When he crossed the finish line clear the home crowds went wild, as he had shaved off 1.22 seconds on Bosty’s time on Castle Forbes Vivaldo van het Costervelds who had taken the lead as first to go. France’s leading lady Peneleope Leprevost attempted a fast time but in the end had to settle for third place aboard Nayana, jumping 1.25 seconds behind Julien. HDC’s Kevin Staut, Hermes’ Simon Delestre and Caroline Nicolas were also in the ribbons for France!
“Cristallo is progressing well, but he’s not mature enough yet to win a Grand Prix like the one on Sunday, so for the moment I prefer to try and win everything I can on the way. He’s reaching a turning point in his development.” Julien’s performance yesterday enabled him to qualify for the Saut Hermès Grand Prix that he will compete in with Mister Daladier and a (lady) team-mate, whose identity he does not know yet. When asked which of the lady riders he would most wish to compete with, Julien laughed, “I really don’t know, we’ll just have to wait and see with the draw this evening!”
Source: Saut Hermes