Kevin Staut claims victory in Rolex Top Ten Final

Kevin Staut’s magic moment is going on. After being elected President of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) on Friday, the French rider also clinched a superb victory in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final which features the top ten riders in the world. Staut took home top honors aboard the 16-year-old SBS gelding Reveur de Hurtebise HDC (Kashmir van T Shuttershof), who also partnered him for the Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro with the Bleus. The pair participated in the prestigious event last year as well, finishing fourth, while Canada’s Eric Lamaze atop of Fine Lady 5 grabbed the success. Back to this year’s final, Scott Brash of Great Britain and the 16-year-old SHBGB mare Ursula XII (Ahorn x Papageno) secured second place, ending the competition on zero faults in 42.83, early two seconds slower than Staut in round two. Peder Fredricson of Sweden closed out the podium placings in third position with the ten-year-old KWPN gelding H&M Christian K (Namelus R x Calvados). A good result came also for the only Italian rider involved, Lorenzo De Luca. Atop of Ensor de Litrange LXII, he finished fifth with 4 penalties behind of last year’s winner, Eric Lamaze, fourth on Lady 5. 6th Harrie Smolders NED Don VHP Z7th Gregory Wathelet BEL Eldorado van ht Vijvenhof8th Maikel van der Vleuten NED VDL Groep Verdi TN9th Kent Farrington USA Creedance10th Steve Guerdat SUI Hannah Since 2001 the ten best riders in the world have met in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, along with Brazilian Rodrigo Pessoa have been sharing the top of ranking, with 2 successes each. In 2001 and 2002 kaiser Ludger won atop of Goldfever first and with Gladdy S later on. In 2003 and 2005 it was up to Pessoa with Baloubet du Rouet. In 2004 and 2006 Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum enjoyed the win with Shutterfly. www.chi-geneve.ch