Simon Delestre (FRA) and Chesall Zimequest powered to the first CSI5* class of the weekend, raising the curtain on the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco. In a fast paced two phase opener, the French national anthem rang out as Delestre took first bragging rights, finishing ahead of John Whitaker (GBR) with top stallion Argento, Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) with Dana Blue, and Ben Maher (GBR) with Madame X.
Simon Delestre on Chesall Zimequest. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Delestre, who looks to be on phenomenal form at the recent LGCT events spoke highly of his hot chestnut gelding; “Chesall did a good job – I know he’s a fast horse, he’s very quick and he feels very comfortable in the arena, he was good here last year so I think it’s a ring he likes.”
Frank Rothenberger put together a flowing but testing course, with a couple of tricky related distances requiring pin point focus and precision for the 53 international athletes who took on his course.
Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) was the first to really throw down the gauntlet, cruising through the second phase with Dana Blue to set the time at 26.10s. Scott Brash (GBR) and his 9 year old rising star Hello Mr President soon put in an impressive clear, but slotted just behind to finish in 26.80s.
The British riders look to be on form in Monaco, after Ben Maher (GBR) and Madame X took out a stride to the double, but despite their efforts couldn’t beat Maikel van der Vleuten’s time and slipped in just behind to stop the clock in 26.15s. Similarly John Whitaker (GBR) a podium position holder here in Monaco before
Simon Delestre on Chesall Zimequest. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Simon Delestre (FRA) soon bettered van der Vleuten’s time, powering effortlessly around the arena with the light-on-his-feet Chesall Zimequest, turning on a hairpin with the small and agile gelding able to rocket across the sand arena. Despite valiant efforts from Leopold van Asten (NED) with VDL Groep Urane de Talma, Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) with Carlotta and Mégane Moissonnier (FRA) with Ultrachic de Charmois, Delestre kept hold of the top spot and took the first win of the weekend.