Scott Brash & Hello Vincent victory in Lyon CSI5*-W Grand Prix
Saturday 30 October 2021
It was another CSI5*-W Grand Prix victory for Scott Brash last night in the Longines Grand Prix of Lyon, France when he took the win after a high octane nineteen strong jump-off in which he was the last to come forward.
Riding Hello Vincent, owned by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham he managed to shave almost a second from fellow Brit rider Holly Smith with Ian Dowies big jumping Denver. This saw GBR take the top two positions in what had been an incredible world class competition to watch.
Talking after the competition Scott said “It was a difficult jump off. I was fortunate to watch a few and I was lucky to be the last out. To be honest I was surprised to see so many clear rounds as I thought the course was pretty tricky. But here in Lyon the riders always come with their best horses. I am delighted to have won and be able to ride in front of a full house once again. We haven’t experienced such an atmosphere for a long time”.
Scott’s time of 34.32 seconds was just 44/100th of a second faster than the one laid down by Holly which shows how close the competition was in the closing stages. Only seven combinations managed to achieve a double clear and those that did certainly put their foot to the pedal as it was literally just a fraction over 3 seconds that separated them to decide the final line up.
An earlier win for Holly will have softened the blow for her last minute relegation as she had claimed the 1.50m Prix Groupama title riding Fruselli. Her clear in a time of 31.26 seconds was enough to push home rider Julien Epaillard (FRA) into second place with Solero MS.
Full results
 c. Majestic Photography.jpg "James Smith Dominates in the Penultimate Winter Grand Prix at Aintree Winter Classic Show")
