Longines Grand Prix of the city of La Baule: The French Nicolas Delmotte and Urvoso du Roch clinches victory

Fifty pairs were on the start list of the Longines Grand Prix of La Baule. Number two to go, the French pair Nicolas Delmotte and Urvoso du Roch was also the first to clear the course designed by Frédéric Cottier. He was imitated by the Swiss Martin Fuchs and Leone JEI, then by the French Laurent Goffinet and Atome des Etisses, the Egyptian Mouda Zeyada and Galanthos SHK, the Irish Bertram Allen and Harley Vd Bisshop and the Italian Filippo Marco Bologni and Quilazio.
The Public had the pleasure to watch a jump-off with six pairs. First to go, Nicolas Delmotte and Urvoso du Roch achieved a new clear-round in 45’’83. Laurent Goffinet and Atome des Etisses managed to clear again as well, but in 46’’06. The four other pairs tried to be faster, but committed mistakes.
Therefore, Nicolas Delmotte and Urvoso du Roch win this 60th edition with style and register their name on the prestigious record of the Longines Grand Prix of La Baule.
Nicolas Delmotte (FRA), 1st
“I still find it hard to realize I won. I am really happy about tbis victory here in La Baule, in front of the French public. After all it is our CSIO5* of France! I am also thrilled for my owner, Mrs. Morillon, who has been trusting me for many years, and agreed to let Urvoso got to the Olympics. It is a real pleasure to see the public again. Since the beginning of the show, Urvoso has been jumping well. In the Nations Cup he already completed two great rounds. He improved a lot over the last few shows.“
Laurent Goffinet (FRA), 2nd
“They will call me Poulidor since I constantly place second! It is true, at the moment, Atome is quietly growing in power. I am thrilled, because it is his second 5 stars show. The plan was to pursue his progression, knowing that he got injured early in the season. I prefered not to compete on Friday and Saturday to secure the Grand Prix today. I am really happy, I felt my horse was not under stress.“
Martin Fuchs (SUI), 3rd
“It is a great weekend, I brought two young horses, and they both performed in a fantastic way. The courses very beautiful, thanks to the course designer. We had six clear rounds, it was not a lot, but many riders scored between 1 and 4 points. The course designer did really a great job. The whole Swiss team finds the organization in La Baule is exemplary and we wish to copy you for Saint-Gall.“
Frédéric Cottier, course designer
“I think each course designer has his own signature. I like fluid courses, and I try my best to not put pressure on the horses. I like it when they are well ridden, this is my philosophy. Here, this year, we had very good sports conditions, I am very happy to have found my place in this new team. This show is historical. We have to grow up, always grow up and try to improve. The ground was very good, not too dry nor too wet. After all, a course designer is only a screen writer and he needs actors who were there during the whole week-end. They are the ones making the sport.“

Complete results: https://labaule-cheval.com/
Press Release International Jumping La Baule | Photo PSV