HERMES RYAN STILL ON TOP

This morning, the CSI 5* at the Longines Equita Lyon International Equestrian Competition opened with a 1.50m class against the clock sponsored by Boehringer-Ingelheim. Forty-five couples started the class to battle it out for the victory and register their name on the competition's list of winners. Not only did they need to jump a clear round, they also had to go fast, very fast, to have a chance of winning. The French course designer Grégory Bodo gave the riders food for thought with a technical layout including two doubles and thirteen obstacles on a winding course allowing short turns.

The Belgian rider Gudrun Patteet on Sea Coast Monalisa van't Paradijs was the first to manage a clear round with a time of 67'57. A great performance, but not fast enough to win (fifth). Finally, it was the amazing Hermes Ryan that had the last word with his long-standing rider, Simon Delestre from Lorraine. The couple won with a time of 64'22. "Ryan often comes here in good form. He really jumped well this morning and was very relaxed. I like these indoor events, which I really missed last year. It's part of the season I particularly enjoy because we are much closer to the audience, so the atmosphere is different. I just love the atmosphere!" said the happy rider after the class. Showing his great form, Simon Delestre also finished eighth in the rankings with his second horse, Tinka's Hero Z.

Swiss champion Steve Guerdat took second place with Albfuehren's Maddox (65''03). And the Belgian rider Gudrun Patteet was third with Sea Coast Pebbles Z (65''33).

A special mention for the young Antoine Ermann. At just twenty years old, the GL events rider is taking part in a CSI 5* event for the first time this weekend and managed to complete his second class with a clear round and no penalties, finishing in seventh place with Azur de Vinnebus.

1. Simon Delestre (FRA) and Hermes Ryan – 0 in 64’’22


2. Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Albfuehren’s Maddox – 0 in 65’’03


3. Gudrun Patteet (BEL) and Sea Coast Pebbles Z – 0 in 65’’33