Alvaro de Miranda took honours on Show Show in the 1.50m class just before midnight on the French Riviera against a strong field of international rides.

 

The Brazilian rider looked in dangerous form as he sped round the Hesperides arena in Cannes finishing in 60.47 ahead of Frenchman Julien Epaillard on Mister Davier in 61.08 and Penelope Leprevost in thrird on Nayan in 63.30.

 

The class was a chance for the best riders in the world to limber up on their Grand Prix horses in the first floodlit competition of the series so far ahead of Saturday’s big class. Earlier in the class Jane Richard Philips had taken the lead on Pablo de Virton and Jessica Springsteen was one of the fastest on four faults on Vindicat W.

 

Course designer Uliano Vezzani is set to deliver a challenging technical course tomorrow in another day of strong competition ahead of the 5th Grand Prix of the season with crucial ranking points at stake.

 

There was a party atmosphere around the Cannes arena last night with glamorous guests enjoying hospitality in the VIP lodges and spectators enjoying the night time jumping at the highest level, only metres from the Mediterranean.