Jérôme Hurel quickly took the lead thanks to a time of 64.06 seconds with Zafir. The French seemed to be ready to add his name to the record, but Simon Delestre, in great shape today, came in front. The French rider finished in a time of 63.60 seconds with his 10 year old mare Whisper.
Simon Delestre didn't stay long at the top when world no. 1 Scott brash (GBR) came into the arena right after Simon Delestre. With Bon Ami, the Olympic champion by team has shown agility and speed completing his course in 63.26 seconds. For his first participation in the Gucci Paris Masters, the young British put his name to the Longines Speed Challenge record.
Simon Delestre and Whisper took 2nd place while the 3rd place went to Dutch Maikel Van der Vleuten and his mare VDL Groep Eureka (63.64 seconds).
They said:
Charles Villoz, sales vice-president at Longines:
“I loved it, it was intense, interesting as well. The audience was extraordinary. Time is something essential is the Speed Challenge competition, which reminds us that we are not only sponsors but also service providers.”
Ingeborga Dapkunaïté, actress and ambassador Longines de l'Élégance :
“I'm very impressed with this event, it´s wonderful to see all these very elegant riders and horses.”
Christophe Ameeuw, EEM:
“This concept is the work of a whole team. It´s a moment of sport and show where everyone gives everything. We are very proud of the involvement of Longines which gives sens to this event.”
1st - Scott Brash (GBR) / Bon Ami : “I loved this competition. It´s a very interesting moment for the audience who can admire the fastest horses in the world. I'm very lucky to be able to count on a team and fantastic horses. It´s great to win since it´s my first time in Paris.”
2nd - Simon Delestre (FRA) / Whisper : “The Longines Speed Challenge is a great event and even more is that it´s at home, in front of our public. It´s a competition where you need to take risks to be the quickest. My mare jumped very well, she has a big action and turns very fast, but it wasn't enough today. The event begins well for me, I can only be happy.”
3rd - Maikel Van der Vleuten (NED) / VDL Groep Eureka :
“I competed well but the guys were really faster than me. My horses are in great shape, it´s a good sign.”