Mark McAuley & Miebello. ph: Equita Lyon/PSV J.Morel.
On the night of Friday, November 3rd, Ireland’s Mark McAuley and the 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Miebello (Flyinge Quite Easy x Cardento) took home top honors in the Longines Grand Prix at Equita Lyon CSI5*-W in Lyon, France.
Doubling as the qualifier for Sunday’s Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Verona CSI5*-W, presented by GL Events, the competition saw some of the world’s best international athletes compete for the lump sum €101,000 in prize money over the 13-obstacle course designed by France’s Grégory Bodo.
Of the 48 entries, 13 combinations proceeded to the jump-off track, which saw McAuley ride to a winning time of 34.38s.
“I am very happy! Long live France!,” commented McAuley. “In my eyes, my horse is the best in the world. He reacted very well tonight and gave all he could.”
The two have competed together on the rated circuit since April 2017, and this marks their second win to date.
Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat narrowly missed out the leading position with a time of 34.77. Piloting the 11-year-old SWB mare Bianca, (Balou du Rouet x Cardento) the two qualified for Sunday’s final with a trailing 2nd place finish.
Crossing the timers in 34.97s, France’s Penelope Leprevost and the 12-year-old SBS stallion Vagabond de la Pomme (Vigo D Arsouilles x For Pleasure) closed out the podium placings in 3rd.
The full results can be viewed here.