Simone Pearce Returns from an Injury with a Victory

Simone Pearce and the 10-year-old gelding Will Marq (Rio Marq x Lanciano) scored 71.130%. This not only set a new personal best at the Grand Prix level for the pair, but also secured them victory in only their second Grand Prix at CDI4* level – and this after Pearce had been out of action for almost two months due to injury.

In November last year, the pair made their 4* debut at the Schleierhalle in Stuttgart, where they placed sixth in the Grand Prix with a score of 69.130%. Just a few days later, the Australian dressage rider announced that she would be out of action due to a hand injury. With this victory, the pair is now back on the international dressage scene.

Internationally diverse field of starters in Bordeaux

While show jumpers and drivers are meeting in Bordeaux for the next World Cup stage, dressage is also represented in Bordeaux with the CDI4* Tour. Twelve pairs from nine different nations competed in today's Grand Prix.

With a score of 71.065%, Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z Ifce (Sandro Hit x Voltaire) were narrowly beaten by Simone Pearce and Will Marq, finishing second in front of their home crowd. João Victor Marcari Oliva, competing for Brazil, secured third place with a score of 70.522% in the saddle of Franziskus FRH's offspring Feel Good VO NRW. Maria Caetano and Hit Plus from Portugal came in fourth ahead of Alexandre Ayache and Ruling Olivia. The entire competition can be viewed in the ClipMyHorse.TV/FEI.TV media library. HERE for the Jumping International de Bordeaux.

Photo: Pferdefotografie Lafrentz