Jérôme Guery and Jyrado vh Bovenhoekshof Triumph in the Autumn MET 2024 Grand Prix at Oliva Nova
Under the Spanish sun, the 2024 edition of the Autumn MET kicked off at the Centro Ecuestre in Oliva Nova, delivering a weekend full of thrilling competition. Yesterday’s CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix, presented by Dammann Reitplatz- und Sportplatzbau GmbH, wrapped up the first week of action with a stellar performance by Belgian rider Jérôme Guery and his 9-year-old mount Jyrado vh Bovenhoekshof. Stopping the clock at 37.41 seconds in the jump-off, Guery bested a competitive field of 55 riders from 36 nations.
“I was among the first in the jump-off, and I knew I had to take some risks since many strong riders were coming after me,” Guery commented after his victory. “My horse is naturally quick, and we managed to put enough pressure on the others.”
Guery spoke highly of his partner, Jyrado vh Bovenhoekshof, praising his winning mentality and powerful jump: “I got him from the breeder when he was seven, and he’s grown a lot since then. He’s my number one horse for this tour, and next week, I plan to compete in the three-star Grand Prix with him. I have high hopes for his future, and I hope to bring him to some five-star shows next year.”
The competition remained fierce until the final second. Dutch rider Mathijs van Asten secured second place aboard Vedet DK Z with a time of 37.65 seconds, while Lily Attwood (GBR) and Karibou Horta clocked in at 38.35 seconds to claim third. Ricardo Valadas Coelho (POR) and Orion Ter Doorn finished in fourth place, followed by Niklaus Schurtenberger (SUI) and Lireu, who took fifth.
The Autumn MET I continues until October 20th, with additional rounds in November and December. The Centro Ecuestre at Oliva Nova, known for being one of Europe’s premier equestrian facilities, welcomed athletes to a refreshed venue: “It’s a big upgrade,” Guery noted about the recent improvements. “The parking, the stable area grounds, and the paths between arenas have all been improved. It’s always a pleasure to come here, especially because I get to compete alongside my son Mathieu and my wife Patricia, combining sport and family.”
The 2024 Autumn MET is only just beginning, and if the first week’s competition is any indication, the upcoming weeks promise to be just as exciting.
Photo © Hervé Bonnaud / www.1clicphoto.com
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