RICHARD VOGEL WINS THE LONGINES GRAND PRIX

On Friday evening, the dressage riders made way for the show-jumpers at the Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International in the International Arena at Eurexpo. Germany's Richard Vogel, who won last year's Longines FEI World Cup Grand Prix here in Lyon, took first place in the Longines Grand Prix of the CSI 5*-W competition, riding the Selle Français Gangster Montdésir. The rider from Burgundy, Antoine Ermann, one of the rising stars in French show jumping, finished in fourth place with Floyd des Prés.

An atmosphere that gives you wings
The course laid out by the French course designer, Grégory Bodo, had plenty to keep the 49 couples that started the Longines Grand Prix on their toes. After the first leg, eleven pairs had managed to complete a clear round on a course comprising thirteen obstacles and sixteen difficulties. France's Jeanne Sadran and her explosive Dexter de Kerglenn were the first to ride in the jump-off, repeating their first-round performance in 42''96. In the end, they would finish fifth in the class. The rider from Toulouse had managed to keep the lead until Richard Vogel and his nine-year-old bay, Gangster Montdésir, moved into first place. The couple, who have been putting in a great string of performances since they started working together in September, were competing in their first Grand Prix at 1.60m. But that did not stop the reigning European champion from taking every risk to cross the finish line in 38''78, without touching a single bar. No-one managed to improve on their impressive performance. Even the world number 2 Ben Maher (GBR) with Enjeu de Grisien had to be content with second place (0 pt, 39''73). Third place on the podium went to Gerrit Nieberg and his pinto Ping Pong van de Lentamel, who recorded a double clear round in 41'13. "Gangster and I have not been together very long. This is only our third competition together. Even though he's still fairly inexperienced, I had planned to make tight turns in this jump-off. I have to admit that I wasn't expecting him to turn so well! Gangster is incredible. He is only nine years old but he wins at least one class at every competition. He won in the 1.45m and 1.50m classes during the first two competitions we took part in together and here, today, he won his first Grand Prix at 1.60m. I don't think you could hope for much more than that. Every time I push him, he finds the perfect answer. We have very high expectations for this horse and I really hope he has a great future. Initially, Gangster was due to take part in the Equita Masters presented by Hermès Sellier tomorrow evening. But now, after his performance tonight, I'd like wait and see how he feels tomorrow. United Touch S will defend his title on Sunday. I hope to put in a great performance with him again. Lyon is always a wonderful competition, both for us as riders and for the horses, of course. The conditions are ideal, which makes it easier to perform well. When you enter this arena, the atmosphere is so amazing, it gives you extra motivation. It kind of gives us wings," said the winner of the evening's event.

A childhood dream
Antoine Ermann, the revelation of the year and the best-ranked French rider in the class, confirmed his fine form with an impressive fourth place, riding his trustworthy Floyd des Prés (0 pts, 41''48). "I tried to go for it, but my horse doesn't have much experience in jump-offs at this level, and neither do I. I did my best. If someone had told me beforehand that I would finish fourth tonight, I would have taken it. I took a big risk on the turn before the white vertical in the colours of the FFE. I couldn't do any better. He was really on form. We always make sure that our horses arrive at competitions in top condition. I prefer him to be a little bit fresher on the first day and keep something in reserve for Sunday. Taking part in the competition here in Lyon is a childhood dream. It's the first time I've been involved in the big CSI 5*-W events. It's incredible to feel the audience cheering you on. Even though we are really concentrated and focused during the class, we can hear everyone getting behind us and supporting us, which is really nice." 

Earlier in the day…
This afternoon, the Prix Groupama, a 1.50 class against the clock, was won by the Dutch rider Willem Greve and Candy Luck Z, who were fifth in yesterday's opening race. They recorded the fastest time in 61''69. "I’m really happy. My mare jumped really well already on Thursday evening. She is very fast and easy to ride. The competition here in Lyon is fantastic. It brings together everyone who loves horses. There's something for everyone, it's really incredible."