Known for its demanding nature, the Parc du Hautbois at Haras du Pin offered a fine preview of what’s to come at the World Pair Driving Championships scheduled for the end of September. Overhanging obstacles and slaloms between gates, combined with the heat and heavy weather, kept competitors, drivers and horses alike, on their toes to the point of making the leaders wobble.

Photo: © Capucine Bourgeois.

Le CAI Haras Du Pin – A+B Results Dressage and Marathon

Top Pairs Drivers Handle The Elements

But because it is World Championship year for Pairs, and with hot temperatures that turned into thunderstorms, some drivers opted to take it easy. The leader Martin Hölle (HUN) chose not to run his horses opening up the field for a new winner in the division he has dominated.

Franck Grimonprez showed all his determination, pursuing his objective: to seize the lead in the provisional rankings. Mission accomplished this evening in style, as he took advantage of his Hungarian rival’s withdrawal due to mechanical damage. The Frenchman now has a lead of over 10 points over second-placed Stefan Ulrich of Switzerland. The day’s top performers were his compatriot Marcel Luder, 24th last night and now 3rd, and Dennis Schneiders (GER), who moved up from 20th to 5th place. Franck Grimonprez seems to have the final victory within his grasp, but the battle for the rest of the podium promises to be thrilling.

CAI3* 1 Horse: Mario Gandolfo Tightens the Lead with His Titan Marathon Performance

Canadian Kelly Houtappels-Bruder, winner of the dressage, retains first place by a very narrow margin. Whereas yesterday she had a comfortable 5-point lead over her nearest challenger, the smiling forty-something now has just one,  this time over the world number 1, Switzerland’s Mario Gandolfo.

With his horse Favela, Mario Gandolfo, the winner in Windsor (GBR) this season, is clearly putting the pressure on his opponent. A single ball on the ground in tomorrow’s final cones test and the rankings will be reversed. Behind this duo, are four French drivers, starting with Tony Ecalle. He put in the best French performance of the marathon, accompanied by Anthony Gohier as groom. This puts him in 3rd place in the provisional rankings, less than four points off the lead. Behind him, Anne-Violaine Brisou held on to 4th and 6th place with her two carriages. Clément Deschamps is in 5th place.

Le CAI Haras Du Pin – A+B Results