MARLON MODOLO ZANOTELLI WINS HIS FIRST 5* GRAND PRIX IN GRIMAUD

Forty-six competitors among the best riders and horses in the world; a perfect round for thirteen of them: the only CSI 5* on the planet held in August fulfilled all of its promises in the ring of the HUBSIDE JUMPING de Grimaud. And as a bonus, a victory for Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, World No.18, with VDL Edgar M, who dominated the class faced with a jump-off of expert riders…and won the first 5* Grand Prix of his career!

“First of all, I would like to thank my whole team who do a great job at home, as well as the owners of VDL Edgar M, who is a very special horse. He was placed in the top 5 of all of the most recent 5* Grands Prix in which he has competed and was very close to winning every time.  Now that has happened and what’s more, it’s the first time that I have won a 5* Grand Prix! He jumped wonderfully, I’m really delighted, he is an amazing horse.”
[Regarding the Mercedes vertical which was knocked down a lot in the jump-off] “It was placed in a bend on the right with white poles which were difficult for the horses to make out. I also think that speed and fatigue after the double contributed to unbalancing the horses. Moreover, Edgar brushed the first element of the double but I know he is very careful, so I was able to take risks. He is wonderful! I hope to come back to Grimaud for the series of shows in September and I would like to thank Sadri Fegaier and the whole organising team who allow us to do our job and practice our sport in this very difficult period. It is very important for us and for the horses.”

© Ljuba Buzzola pour HUBSIDE JUMPING