Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) and Berlinda dazzled in an edge-of-the-seat triumph during the second day’s action at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes.
The 1.50m Prix JW Marriott jump-off class set the scene perfectly for Saturday’s (8/6) GCL Cannes R2 and the LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes, with the promise of a blockbuster showdown featuring the world’s best horses and riders under the glittering lights on the French Riviera.
A delighted Dreher said:
[Berlinda] was amazing today, she’s really fast. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a win, but it’s worked out and I’m really happy today. Until now [at LGCT Cannes] I was every class clear, so we’ll wait and see what happens tomorrow!”
Dreher took the win almost a full second faster than Pieter Devos (BEL) and Jade v. Bisschop, with Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) and Cigaret JVH Z rounding out third in the hotly contested class. U25 riders Emily Moffitt (GBR) and Harry Charles (GBR) also shone in Cannes today, with strong performances in the nine-rider jump-off.
39 riders took part in the 1.50m competition, with the lions share of 62.000 euros on offer this evening – during the GC TV live studio Bodo had predicted approximately 10 riders through to the jump-off.
Course designer Gregory Bodo gave the riders plenty of options in the evening’s course, with a choice of strides and a complete contrast to last week’s Hamburg challenge. A big Longines oxer early on demanded power and focus, as did the red and white Maurice oxer not long after. One of the big challenges was a double of Cannes verticals, set down the grandstand side with an option of four or five strides. A Volvo liverpool caught out a few, as did a delicate AirFrance vertical quickly followed by another double combination set away from the in-gate. The tight time allowed of 78s added pressure to the riders, and proved to play an influential part in the competition.
The final day of competition at LGCT Cannes kicks off with the GCL Cannes final at 18:00 local time, with the LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes taking place at 21:30. All the action can be streamed live and free on the www.gcglobalchampions.com website.
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