Luca Maria Moneta & Connery. Ph. Jumping Dinard
On the first day of Jumping International Dinard CSI5* in Dinard, France on Thursday, July 28th, 2016, the grandstands were already almost packed full with an enthusiastic public, eager to support the best riders in the world.
The opening, 1.45m class in two phases, sponsored by Alvalle, attracted 36 pairs to the start list. Riders had to had clear the first six fences within the time allowed, , and complete the second half of the course as fast as possible until the finish line, without knocking a single pole, of course.
Some of the riders chose to use the class show the as familiarization for their horses, while others clearly decided to play the game, and do everything possible to be on the podium. While 16 riders cleared the course, the Italian Luca Maria Moneta clinched victory with his 13 year-old Westphalian gelding, Connery (Cordobes II x Polydor). Second last to go, he completed the second phase in a time of 31.99 seconds.
“I am very happy with my horse, I was just a little faster than everybody else, and it was good enough to win this class,” De Luca said. “Connery and I form a very strong pair, we know each other very well, I rode many classes with him. When I saw the leader was quite fast, I decided to go for it. I’d rather try to win and have a rail down, than clear the course and not be placed. My horse gave everything he had.”
On Friday, Connery will be in the speed class sponsored by the Conseil départemental d’Ille et Vilaine at about 11.45am.
The American rider Beezie Madden and Breitling LS held the lead early on, riding at the beginning of the class in a time of 32.47 seconds. She finally had to end her day with 2nd place, but she was very pleased with her 10-year-old SLS mare (Quintero x Armonia La Silla) that is owned by Abigail Wexmner. Madden said she would not have gone any faster even knowing that the Italian rider would bring her time down. “For me, this is a very encouraging start to the competition,” she commented.
In 3rd place, the French rider Jérôme Hurel and Urano, cleared the second phase in a time of 32.57 seconds.
“It is the beginning of the competition, I am pleased with Urano, he did the job very well,” Hurel said.
Jumping International Dinard CSI5* continues through Sunday, July 31st with competition in two rings. Full results from all classes of this favorite summertime competition can be found at this link: