Julien Épaillard takes command
Start of the CSI 5* competition at the Longines Equita Lyon International Equestrian Competition. Forty-nine of the world's best rider/horse couples started the Prix EQUI#GENERALI with deferred time scoring. In the end, there were 16 clear rounds and 13 couples ranked. So, the riders needed to jump cleanly and quickly to have a chance of winning in this opening top-level class. Frenchman Philippe Rozier on Vincy de Gue managed the first clear round in the class, setting the pace with a time of 31''95 (seventh overall). Mathieu Billot and Lord de Muze were quick and determined to do better and improved the time (31''42), before being overtaken by Yuri Mansur of Brazil, who was in great form on Everglade (30''95). However, one of the fastest riders on the circuit was yet to jump. Riding Queeletta, Julien Épaillard lived up to his reputation, winning with a time of 30''56. The Frenchman has been riding this eleven-year-old mare in competitions since June, and they are becoming ones to watch. "My horse has not yet competed in any big Grand Prix events, but has already been involved in some great classes. She has a lot of resources. I don't know everything about her yet, but she's starting to get better. The idea is to do the Grand Prix with her on Sunday. She seemed pretty comfortable today, not too nervous, and that's what I wanted to see. So, she's not going to do anything tomorrow and then I'll bring her back on Sunday."
1 – Julien Épaillard (FRA) and Queeletta in 30.56 sec.
2 – Yuri Mansur (BRA) and Everglade in 30.95 sec
3 – Mathieu Billot (FRA) and Lord de Muze in 31.42 sec