Release date: 02/07/2011 |    

Only two days of show, only two days of jumping, but Estoril showcases the best of the best with huge prize money split amongst only four international classes.

After the confines of the Monaco arena, riders took the large grassed arena in Estoril. With 141,00 euros total prize money on offer every rider was out to take a portion from the Massimo Dutti sponsored 1.50m event.

Time was amended after the first three horses had completed, yet time was still a sticking point for most of the field.  It was too easy to add an extra stride here and there being drawn to the open space, and the time was tight.

Of the 45 combinations that entered the first round 11 went to jump-off and incredibly 17 obtained time faults.

Swiss Pius Schwizer was allowed to go through to jump-off after he incurred one time fault with Ulysee.  The ground jury permitted this as the time was altered when he was entering the arena.  The announcement had not been made to the riders at hat time. And how fortuitous would that decision be?

With a star studded line-up Portugal’s leading lady rider Luciana Diniz lay down the challenge as the first rider out for jump-off, home clean in a time of 43.86.  Pius took every risk on the now damp grass following a light shower of rain. Riding Ulysse he incurred no penalties taking nearly 3 seconds off Luciana’s time finishing on 40.99 seconds.

The ensuing 8 riders could not better the time although Ludger Beerbaum (GER) had the big striding Holsteiner stallion Coup de Couer under good instruction. (pictured above). They clocked 41.68 as they raced across the final line which would see them placed 3rd.

Last to go World Cup winner Christian Ahlmann and Taloubet Z (above) appeared to be covering the ground more quickly. A handy turn up from the second obstacle to the third the round looked promising but only made it to 2nd place with a time of 41.10.

Pius was happy to bank the first prize cheque for 45,120 euros and to take the Massimo Dutti Trophy.

Quote

Pius Schwizer (SUI) winner

Commenting on his win

It was an abnormal situation with the timing in the first round but I knew that I was right as I had planned the ride to come in under time.  The ground jury was correct with the standing and of course I am happy to have come through for the win in this class.  There was a lot of prize money at stake.

Photo Credits: Stefano Grasso/GCT