Release date: 20/07/2011 |    

Unseasonably cool temperatures and wet weather certainly hasn’t dampened the atmosphere at Chantilly as horses and grooms arrive in readiness for the 7th round of the Global Champions Tour season.

This year they have been welcomed by a newly constructed barn, where 500 stables are located, making for an ideal all weather environment for the world’s best jumping horses. There has been a shuffle in the riders list as some withdraw and others take their place and head to Chantilly.

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), who retired the fabulous 18 year old Shutterfly in a special ceremony at CHIO Aachen last week, is an omission from the GCT in Chantilly this weekend.

She is joined by Billy Twomey (IRL), Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), and Eric van der Vleuten (NED) who have also withdrawn.

Cian O’Connor (IRL), Eugenie Angot (FRA) and Luciana Diniz (POR) have all moved onto the start list. Uncustomary weather often brings changes in plans to ensure the best conditions for the horses and riders.

In order to preserve the grounds for top jumping over the weekend, the warm up session planned for Thursday afternoon has been set aside.

Forecasts say conditions will improve as the week progresses and will be very suitable for the 30,000 spectators who flock to the event over the four days.

Image supplied by Jumping-Chantilly