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Delestre shines at first CSI5* competition

Simon Delestre on French bred Stardust Quinhon caused a minor surprise by overwhelming a strong field to claim the first CSI5* 25,000 prize at AL SHAQAB 2015.

 The 33-year-old Frenchman was the 37th rider to test the course, only the fourth before the curtain fall, and he managed to surpass Britain’s Laura Renwick and her young gelding Rembrandt Blue, who had previously established an early lead, by a mere 0,07 seconds. 

Third place went to Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Ho Go Van de Padenborre, who finished in 37:00, but the rider who stole the show was clearly fifth ranked Omer Karaevli and Dadjak Ter Puttenen from Turkey. 

The world’s No. 1 Scott Brash on Hello Sanctos decided –as did other top riders - to retire before he concluded the course, but that happened due to his late arrival in Doha: 

“I didn’t want to make myself or my horse tired and I simply wanted to see what the course was like, for the upcoming events”, explained the Briton. 

The fastest of all though was Qatar’s Hamad Ali Mohamed A Al Attiyah on Appagino, but his 35:98 clocking was charged with a four-point penalty after he hit the penultimate double fence, clearly the hardest for all contestants. Therefore the top Qatari in the final ranking was Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi with Eurocommerce California finishing in tenth place among 40 contestants.

RESULTS 

1. Simon Delestre (France) – Stardust Quinhon 0/36:69 

2. Laura Renwick (Great Britain) – Rembrandt 0/36:76 

3. Denis Lynch (Ireland) – Ho Go Van De Padenborre 0/37:00 

QUOTES
 

SIMON DELESTRE (FRA), winner 

On winning: 

“I am really pleased with my performance and victory at CHI AL SHAQAB 2015. It gives me confidence about going into the competition. It was a positive start for me and I hope it will continue like that.” 

On CHI AL SHAQAB 2015: 

“It is an absolutely unique competition and the venue is very special and unique too. I thank the organisers for creating all this.” 

LAURA RENWICK (GBR), second 

On her performance: 

“I am happy with my performance as it’s my first time here. It will be a tough competition so I am preparing myself for further rounds.” 

On CHI AL SHAQAB 2015: 

“It’s a really nicely designed course here at CHI AL SHAQAB 2015. A true work of art and 1st class. Actually in equestrian terms this is the best place in the world.” 

DENIS LYNCH (IRL), third 

On his third result and competition: 

“I am satisfied with my performance and my third place. It’s only the beginning of the competition yet I got an idea of what it is all about. Quality riders will be showing their best and it will be intensifying as the competition progresses.” 

On CHI AL SHAQAB 2015: 

“It’s an amazing place full of modern even futuristic features. It feels very special competing at CHI AL SHAQAB 2015.”