Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Take A Chance On Me Z stormed to victory in front of the world famous Eiffel Tower in a blazing LGCT Grand Prix of Paris only days after the birth of his new baby girl.
The German champion displayed all his class and experience piloting his 10-year-old home bred stallion to victory and was rewarded with a respectful standing ovation in the evening sunlight.
Christian Ahmann is now the latest rider to qualify for the star-studded LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs in Prague in November.
He said:
It has been an amazing week I already had my daughter Ella born on Monday. My concentration was not what it should be. Judy wasn’t happy when I went (to the show). She said I better do well this weekend. I think she is happy now!”
Speaking about the LGCT Super Grand Prix Christian Ahlmann added:
I watched it last year and it was one of the main goals for this year to qualify for this class and I’m really looking forward to it.”
It was a dream result in the City of Lights for Belgian rider Celine Schoonbroodt-de Azevedo who finished second:
This my first LGCT jump-off and it is amazing to be on podium between two amazing riders. I felt my mare jumped very nice. She was really fighting for me and I could feel that she helped me a little bit. I was so happy to jump here, Virginie Coupérie-Eiffel is the owner of my mare so it is even more amazing. The first round was good and I felt the mare was giving all her heart to me today.”
French star Kevin Staut finished third delighting spectators on his new horse, Claire Z.
After the Paris leg Pieter Devos retains the LGCT ranking lead on 224 points with Daniel Deusser and Ben Maher now in a fascinating duel in second place on 215 points.
The grandstands were packed as the 11th leg of the LGCT series saw the world’s best in action at the Champ de Mars in front of one of most famous and iconic monuments in the world. In brilliant sunshine the atmosphere was buzzing as visitors enjoyed the Exhibition Village and cooled off with ice cream and smoothies.
Paris was buzzing with visitors ahead of Bastille Day next weekend, Haute Couture Week was just coming to a close and Americans were in Paris in force for 4th July celebrations.
Among the international guests at the LGCT of Paris, a firm fixture on the capital’s busy social calendar, were keen equestrian Mary Kate Olsen, Charlotte Casiraghi fresh from her recent wedding celebrations and actress Marion Cotillard.
In the grandstands Panama hats were de rigueur as everyone settled in for the LGCT Grand Prix. French course designer Gregory Bodo set a tough but fair track giving the best combinations in the world plenty to worry about.
The Tour now looks to Chantilly, just a short stop away from Paris, for the 12th round of action on the Championship race.
For more information on the Longines Global Champions Tour visit www.gcglobalchampions.com
