Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida Takes Home Win at Late Summer Equestrian Festival

The Late Summer Equestrian Festival in Esposende concluded in style this Sunday, 14 September, with an electrifying CSI2* Grand Prix at the Clube Hípico do Norte. In front of a packed crowd, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as 41 riders competed for top honors in the feature class of the weekend.

It was a storybook ending for the local fans as Portuguese rider Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida, riding U2 Westleven Z, delivered a flawless jump-off round in 44.47 seconds, securing victory and a prize of 7,062.5€. Almeida, clearly moved by the home win, shared:

“I’m so happy to give this win to U2. He gave me everything today, and I also want to once again thank the Barros Family for putting on two weeks of great sport here in Esposende.”

The podium was rounded out by Brazilian rider Felipe Ramos Guinato on Gandalf Mouche in second place with 45.10 seconds, and Portugal’s António Matos Almeida with Fernando Z taking third in 46.09 seconds.

The top 12 riders and their results were:

1. Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida (POR) – U2 Westleven Z – 0/0, 44.47 – 7,062.5€
2. Felipe Ramos Guinato (BRA) – Gandalf Mouche – 0/0, 45.10 – 5,650€
3. António Matos Almeida (POR) – Fernando Z – 0/0, 46.09 – 4,237.5€
4. Felipe Ramos Guinato (BRA) – Garota de Ipanema MC – 0/0, 46.44 – 2,825€
5. Alberto Márquez Galobardes (ESP) – Coolboy – 0/0, 47.10 – 1,977.5€
6. Rodrigo Silva Morgado (POR) – Luso-N – 0/0, 49.91 – 1,553.75€
7. Ricardo Gil Santos (POR) – K. Le Coupe Parisol – 0/4, 45.98 – 1,130€
8. Aliki Rotsaert (BEL) – Hotshot – 0/4, 46.92 – 847.5€
9. Alice Laruça (POR) – Karim – 0/4, 49.22 – 847.5€
10. 10.Rafael Dinis Rocha (POR) – Apache de Liam – 0/8, 45.49 – 706.25€
11. Charlotte Petit-Jean (SUI) – Jupiter – 0/8, 47.94 – 706.25€
12. 12.Filipe Malta Da Costa (POR) – Elton de St Jean – 0/8, 48.20 – 706.25€

With riders from Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland all making the cut, the Grand Prix showcased the international flair of the Esposende Festival. Yet, the cheers were loudest for the Portuguese riders who dominated the standings, turning this edition into a celebration of local equestrian sport.

The Clube Hípico do Norte was filled with families, enthusiasts, and visitors, who enjoyed not only the world-class competition but also the vibrant late-summer entertainment that accompanied the Festival.

As the sun set on Esposende, Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida’s win provided the perfect ending: a hometown victory to remember at the Late Summer Equestrian Festival.

Press Release Valentina Sozzi – Ph Vs Media

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