Simon Delestre and Chesall Zimequest are all smiles after their win at the Jumping International of Valence.

©RBpresse

A champion must know how to rebound after hard times, and Simon Delestre proved that he is one of them by winning the 4* Grand Prix at the Jumping International of Valence.

Second and third place went to Kevin Staut and Roger-Yves Bost, both of whom formed part of the French gold medal winning team in Rio. Delestre had to retire from the team ahead of competition in Rio because of Hermes Ryan’s injury. Three tri-colours on the podium of a Grand Prix only ten days after the Olympics; the French riders have confirmed their domination. This splendid scenario thrilled spectators, ending the second day of competition at the Jumping International of Valence.

Delestre, France's world number two, had an exceptional weekend. He finished all his rounds clear, with Utah d’Aiguilly ranked in the three intermediary classes, and his star Chesall Zimequest finished second in the qualifying class of the first day before going on to win the 4* Grand Prix.

“An amazing weekend” for France's best, who was thrilled to participate in such an event: “It was remarkable. We are received in optimum conditions, and I think that it’s hard to do better. I knew what to expect because I was here last year already, but it’s truly difficult to keep the same top quality from a year to another. Though, they did as good, surely better, and it’s a real pleasure for us to come here”.

Delestre found success here; success that was much-deserved after his misfortune in Rio: “It was a technical jump-off, but I had good sensations on both rounds. Rio was a hard time to process. It a year of training, preparation, I had a horse at 300% of its capabilities, and I came back home with an injured horse, because of an accident that simply never happens. It’s hard, but that’s how the sport is. We can move from all to nothing in one second, and you must know how to process both victories and defeats. After what happened, it’s good to feel this way again, and to be this competitive on the first show, with a victory”.

Simon Delestre and Chesall Zimequest in action.

©RBpresse

Kevin Staut and Bosty were happy for their teammate; after all, they are the ones who came home from Rio with gold medals around their necks. These champions ranked respectively second and third, proving excellent form after their Olympic feat. They both still had an amazing weekend too; Kevin Staut won the major 4* class of Friday night, and Bosty won over the weekend with Pégase du Mûrier. All three thrilled the public at the Haras des Grillons.

The Jumping International of Valence was the first international showjumping appointment after Rio, and spectators came in droves to see and cheer their heroes. A special atmosphere was felt all weekend by riders and members of the organisation, who were happy to share the moment. As Sadri Fegaier, president of the show, explains: “riders were surprised because we had an amazing public, compare to what you can see on other shows. We have significantly exceeded 10 000 spectators, we have a lot of positive feedbacks, it was incredible to live. We couldn’t dream for better”.

Simon Delestre is already prepared for next year: “Well we’ll have to defend our title!” A promise also kept by Great Britain Laura Renwick, who was incredible throughout the event and was consequently named best rider of the show. Renwick leaves with the key of a luxurious Mercedes-Benz.

With such riders willing to come back for the third edition of the Jumping International of Valence, Sadri Fegaier dreams about a fifth star for his event: “We have made the request, but I think it’s only a formality because today, we already offer a five-star level show”.

Source: RB Presse

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