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NRHA European Derby Non Pro Final
The NRHA European Derby Non Pro broke its record in terms of participation this year, with no fewer than 122 pairs entered across all the levels.
The French amateur rider Alexandre Giarratano, who came third in the qualifying round at the opening of the show on Wednesday, put in a magnificent performance this evening in the level-4 category, with a top score of 221, finishing 2.5 points ahead of his Italian rival Fabio de Julio. Riding his faithful Martin – real name The Electric Bandit, with which he qualified last year for the Run For A Million Non Pro Championships in Las Vegas – he was the first rider to take to the arena, which can be quite stressful.
"This is the win that had been missing from my list," said Alexandre Giarratano. "Last year, we were finalists, but finished in 7th place. This year, Martin has helped me have another exceptional season, since we finished Reserve Champion of the Italian Derby in March, then Champion of the NRHA France Derby and the Bo Ranch Derby, as well as NRHA European Champion, and NRHA France Champion. Martin just keeps impressing me, what a horse!"
Belgian, Italian, British and Israeli riders took first place in the other levels, confirming the international status of the competition in Lyon.