Shane Breen & Laith. Ph: Jumping International Valence Facebook
One week after finishing 2nd in the Grand Prix of Valence CSI5*, Ireland’s Shane Breen and the ten-year-old Hanoverian gelding Laith (Lord Z x Weinberg) went on to find success in the CSI3* Grand Prix at the Jumping International of Valence competition in France.
Italy’s Uliano Vezzani designed the 13-obstacle-course that saw 40 entries, four of which made it to the jump-off track. After announcing his disappointment over his 2nd place performance last week, Breen returned to the French venue with a vengeance, producing the fastest of the clear jump-off rounds in 45.18s on Sunday, August 27, 2017. In addition to taking home the lump sum of the €100,000 purse, Breen also walked away with a brand-new Mercedes-Benz.
“I’ve spent two wonderful weeks at the Jumping International of Valence. I was already there last year and loved the show, so I was more than happy when I heard the organization confirmed my presence this year,” said Breen. “I’m very pleased with my horses Vendi, who [finished] two times 3rd and one time 2nd, and Laith, who [finished] 2nd in the Grand Prix last week and really deserved to win today”.
The French secured the remaining spots on the podium. Yannick Gaillot and the 11-year-old Holsteiner stallion Contana (Contendro II x Carthago) finished in 2nd with a time of 45.90s. Finishing on four faults with a time of 45.30s, Romain Potin and the 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Impressario vd Heffinck (Diabeau x Cartier vd Heffinckto) ended the day in 3rd.
The full results can be viewed here.