Harry Charles takes a podium place in the Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland with Romeo 88
Monday 05 June 2023
Harry Charles claimed third place on the podium in the Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland in St Gallen, with Ann Thompson’s Romeo 88.
Forty-four competitors faced the challenging 13-fence, 16-effort 1.60m track designed by Gerard Lachat with some finding problems at the open water but an eventual six supplied clear rounds and were joined by the best five faulters in round one, carrying their faults into the jump-off.
Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger aboard Orelie was the first to post a double clear and was immediately bettered by her compatriot Martin Fuchs on Commisar Pezi.
But Harry’s efforts split them up. He started off at a good pace but, on the turn from the double to the wall, Romeo’s hind legs slipped from under him and, losing all impulsion, they stuttered just strides off the wall. The pair did well to recover and continue without further mishap, the Contact Van De Heffinck 14-year-old – Harry’s 2021 Tokyo Olympic ride – finishing 2.88 seconds behind Martin.
“I was delighted, in the morning, my goal was the top three and once I’d got in the jump-off, I though I’d have a chance. [With the slip], the chance was gone and I steadied up for the clear. He was amazing, it’s only his second big show back this year and it’s great for me and the British team to have him back,” said Harry.
It wasn’t over. The Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders bettered them all on Uricas VD Kattevennen, sailing ahead of Martin’s time by 0.97 sec to take the prize.
Image credit: CSIO.CH/Katja Stuppia
St Gallen CSIO5* – 4 June, 2023
Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland
1st Harrie Smolders (NED) & Uricas VD Kattevennen – 0/0 - 41.43 seconds
2nd Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Commisar Pezi – 0/0 - 42.40 seconds
3rd Harry Charles (GBR) & Romeo 88 – 0/0 - 45.28 seconds
