CSI 2* Grand Prix Land Rover: make way for the young generation!
Ines Helias is barely 20 years old but already has the desire and determination of a great rider. For her first ever 2-star Grand Prix, she beat no less than 18 other riders in the jump-off of the Grand Prix Land Rover, the highlight of the CSI 2* at the Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International. Starting as number 16 on Diplomat F, the young rider managed to do a quicker time than the more experienced Thierry Rozier, who had been in the lead until then with his horse Star. With great energy and strong gallops, Ines Helias finished in 39''05, ahead of Thierry Rozier's 39''12. "I gave it may all!" she said with a smile. "When Thierry Rozier took the lead, the top seeds of the jump-off had already ridden their round. Everyone thought he would win. It motivated me. I just said to myself: okay, you have to do better!"
Based near Royan, Ines Helias has obtained a breakthrough win here in Lyon, when only a few weeks ago she was wearing the colours of the French Young Riders team. "It's hard to take in, " she said. "It's just extraordinary. Lyon is a really popular competition. I'd like to thank the Federation staff, who gave me my chance to come here. I must admit that I did not even dream of this outcome. Today, more than ever, my horse did a great job. He showed that he can manoeuvre really well and fast," said Ines Helias.
In the final ranking, France took the first four places of this Grand Prix at 1.45m. Maëlle Martin took a third place on Comme On Jumper (40''04), ahead of Clément Frerejacques on Undiams de Varenne (40''44).
1. Ines Helias (FRA) & Diplomat F 0/0 39’’05
2. Thierry Rozier (FRA) & Star 0/0 39’’12
3. Maëlle Martin (FRA) & Comme On Jumper 0/0 40"04