SOPHIE HINNERS CRUISES TO A DERBY WIN AT CSIO5* DINARD
Germany’s Sophie Hinners won the Derby Saur de la Région Bretagne, the highlight class of Saturday 26 July, by delivering the only clear round of the day.
Hinners appeared to be floating on air as she navigated her way through the competition on a day when clouds rolled into Brittany. Already in the spotlight three times since the start of Jumping International de Dinard, the 25th-ranked world rider added another triumph on Saturday with the Derby Saur de la Région Bretagne. Her win marked Germany’s first victory in this event since its revival in 2013, previously won by Félix Jarry last year with Elgaura, who unfortunately had a spectacular but unscathed fall at the water jump this time.
Riding Munin, her 10-year-old gelding, Hinners was the only competitor to answer all the questions posed by the traditional Dinard course designer, Jean-François Morand. Her performance was flawless: no hesitation, a textbook ride through the double of planks leading down a steep bank, and perfect balance over every obstacle despite the challenging terrain of Val Porée. At just 27 years old, Sophie Hinners delivered a masterclass.
“It was my first Derby,” she admitted. “I was a bit nervous when I walked the course, but I trusted my horse. I’ve known him since he was five, and I understand his character. I knew he was the right horse for this class. Winning it is very special. I loved every moment. I didn’t have a specific training plan for the Derby, but I trust our connection. The atmosphere here in Dinard is incredible, with so many spectators cheering us on. I’d heard great things about this show and now I understand why.”
A team bronze medallist at last weekend’s European Championships (finishing 6th individually), Hinners finished ahead of Nicolas Layec and Georgio Louvo Z, who were just three seconds faster but incurred a penalty with a rail down early in the course.
“My horse gave his best as always,” said Layec, who was runner-up earlier this June at La Baule. “Georgio and I have a great connection. He showed me at La Baule that he enjoys this kind of challenge. I’m fortunate to have stables just 30 minutes from the sea, and sometimes we train on the beach—it really helps with water jumps. I’m very happy with how things went.”
Completing the podium was Robin Lesqueren with Galax de du Rouet, the fastest of the three riders to carry 8 faults.
--ENDS--
Edited by HT
Full results here
The previous derby winners were:
2024 - Félix JARRY on ELGAURA
2023 - Emeric GEORGE on DUNE DU RU
2022 - Gonzalo BUSCA ROCA on CLASSIFIED
2021 - Andres VEREECKE on DIE GUTE FOLIA
2019 - Margaux ROCUET on VICTORIA BARCELONA
2018 - Patrice DELAVEAU on VESTALE DE MAZURE HDC
2017 - Wilm Vermeir on DM JACQMOTTE
2016 - Laura Renwick on REMBRANDT BLUE
2015 - Laura Renwick on REMBRANDT BLUE
2014 - Guy Williams on CASPER DE MUZE
2013 - Shane Breen on OMINERALE COURCELLE