Release date: 25/06/2011 |    

Manuel Anon Suarez, 18 years-of-age from Madrid in Spain, who started riding just ten years ago, gave his colleagues a veritable equestrian master class this evening on the small course at the Monaco stage of the GCT.

Up against ten experienced show jumpers, he led his chestnut mare Fantasia around the course at a frantic pace and with impeccable timing to win the 1.45m event ahead of the previous day’s winner Alvaro de Miranda/Ad Norson.

More than a victory, this was a veritable performance, with the top three places separated by mere hundredths of a second: Manuel with 34.37, Alvaro on 34.40, and 34.41 for Edwina Alexander.

Kevin Staut, yesterday evening’s winner on Major de Coquerie attempted a double but finished in 4th place with a time of 35.06.

“This is my first year competing at the CGT. I’m very happy and rather proud,” declared Manuel. “When I discovered I’d be riding alongside such great riders I became worried I’d never win another event again. I’m more used to winning or qualifying in three star events, but not at this level.”

Manuel has had a great start to this CGT season, with a second place behind Alvaro de Miranda at the recent Canes stage of the competition.

“I’ve now finished second a number of times, and I had a real desire to win this evening. This has been a very special stage of the competition. There is a wonderful atmosphere here, very particular, wonderful,” suggests Manuel, who competes with all of his family supporting him at events.

“I have no desire to become professional as I want to continue my business studies for another three years before joining my entrepreneur father. But I do hope to continue competing at this level while working.”

This, from a rider that has already achieved a Junior European championship, a European young rider team championship and an individual bronze medal. “I work with Belgian rider Gilbert Deroock, who is like a big brother to me. I am also a great admirer of Eric Lamaze and John Whitaker.”

Photo Credit; Stefano Grasso/GCT