Tom Schewe Claims His First 5-Star Victory on the Morocco Royal Tour
After two days of competition, the stakes were raised this Saturday at the Mohammed VI Exhibition Centre with the 1.55m CSI5*-W – Prix MAMP / SOREC. Germany’s Tom Schewe claimed victory ahead of Switzerland’s Anthony Bourquard and France’s Arthur Le Vot.
The first 5-star Grand Prix of the weekend, the MAMP / SOREC Prize, saw Germany’s Tom Schewe take top honours aboard his recently turned ten-year-old gelding, Lester.
Second to go, Belgium’s Jérôme Guéry was the first rider to deliver a clear round. It was not until Switzerland’s Anthony Bourquard entered the arena as the 16th starter that a jump-off was confirmed. Italy’s Emanuele Camilli, France’s Antoine Ermann and Arthur Le Vot, and Germany’s Tom Schewe also joined them with clear rounds.
In the jump-off, Jérôme Guéry and Clayboy immediately put the pressure on their rivals, setting a time of 39.94 seconds. Anthony Bourquard and Festival Semilly soon lowered the benchmark to 37.76 seconds, ultimately securing second place. Arthur Le Vot and Haristo du Gue also gave it their all but had to settle for third place in 38.86 seconds. Last to go, the eventual winners Tom Schewe and Lester crossed the finish line in an impressive 37.24 seconds.
“It’s an incredible day for me,” said the winner. “This victory is a reward for my entire team, and it belongs to them just as much as it does to me. We’ve come so close to winning so many times, producing fast jump-off rounds but often finishing with four faults. Today was our day. This is my first 5-star victory. I only started competing at this level a year ago in Aachen, so it makes this win particularly special. This was also my first time at the Morocco Royal Tour, and I’ll leave with unforgettable memories, not only because of this result but also because of the outstanding organisation, which I really want to highlight.”
JEANNE SADRAN AND FUNKY BOY DES RÊVES
Having already claimed victory in the 2-star Grand Prix in Rabat, Jeanne Sadran and her talented Funky Boy des Rêves added El Jadida to their list of achievements. Seventh to go, the French pair held off the other 30 starters, crossing the finish line in 64.29 seconds. The only rider to post a faster time was fellow Frenchman Simon Delestre, who also happens to be her coach, but unfortunately incurred four faults after knocking down a rail. In the space of just two weeks, Sadran and Funky Boy des Rêves have celebrated their first international victory together, followed by their first win at 5-star level.
“I’m really happy with this victory,” said the winner. “It was a well-designed course, and I really enjoyed competing in this class. Funky has been having a fantastic tour, and I’m delighted to see him getting the recognition he deserves. My focus now turns to tomorrow’s Grand Prix, where I’ll be competing with Nopal Van Tallaert.”
Portugal’s Ricardo Gil Santos took second place aboard Gatsby Diamond (66.76 seconds), while the Netherlands’ Finn Boerekamp completed the podium in third with Danny Boy 111 Z (66.98 seconds).
AMINE LYAZIDI AND ARTHUR LE VOT CLAIM VICTORY IN THE CSI2*
As was the case yesterday, Morocco took centre stage early in the day thanks to Amine Lyazidi and Eros du Soleil. The pair claimed victory in the CSI2* – Prix OCP 1.30m two-phase speed class, stopping the clock at 23.27 seconds. Belgium’s Mike van Olst, riding Come Back Odth Z (25.68 seconds), finished between the two Moroccan riders, with Badr Kiathi aboard Numax (21.80 seconds) also securing a podium finish.
For the first time this weekend, the French national anthem rang out in the arena at El Jadida as Arthur Le Vot celebrated victory. Riding Irelle de Talma, the Frenchman claimed the Prix ONMT, the CSI2* Grand Prix at 1.35m, completing his jump-off round in 32.19 seconds. Morocco’s Majid Djaidi (33.72 seconds) and Jad Guerraoui (33.86 seconds) finished second and third respectively, riding Ideale l’Herminiere and Casallca Louba PS.
