26 July 2025

By delivering the only clear round of the day, Germany’s Sophie Hinners claimed victory in the Derby Saur de la Région Bretagne, the highlight class of Saturday. Her partner, Richard Vogel, newly crowned European Champion last week, won the other major class of the day.

Sophie Hinners seemed to settle comfortably on one of the clouds that rolled into Brittany yesterday. Already in the spotlight three times since the start of the Jumping International de Dinard, the World No. 25 added yet another triumph on Saturday with the Derby Saur de la Région Bretagne. She secured Germany’s first win in the Derby since the show’s revival in 2013, succeeding Félix Jarry, last year’s winner with Elgaura, who unfortunately had an unscathed but spectacular fall at the water jump this time.

Riding Munin, her 10-year-old gelding, Hinners was the only one to solve all the questions asked by the traditional Dinard course designer, Jean-François Morand. It was a flawless demonstration: no hesitation, a textbook ride through the double of planks leading down a steep bank, 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 impressed when I walked the course, but I trusted my horse. I’ve known him since he was five, I know his character and I knew he was the right choice for this class. Winning it is really special. I loved it. I didn’t really have a specific preparation for the Derby, but I trust the connection we have. The atmosphere in Dinard is incredible with so many people cheering you on. I’d heard a lot of positive things about this show—I now understand why.”

Team bronze medalist at last weekend’s European Championships (6th individually), she finished ahead of Nicolas Layec and Georgio Louvo Z, who were three seconds faster but penalized with a rail down early on the course.

“My horse gave everything as always,” said Layec, already runner-up in early June on the track at La Baule. “With Georgio, we have a great connection. He showed me in La Baule that he enjoys this type of challenge. I’m lucky enough to have my stables just 30 minutes from the sea, so sometimes we train on the beach—it helps with the water jumps. I’m really happy.”

With Galax de du Rouet, Robin Lesqueren—fastest of the three riders on 8 faults—completed the podium.

CSI5*: PRIX KEY PLAYER - THE EUROPEAN CHAMPION PROVES FASTEST

Earlier in the day, the German anthem had already echoed through Dinard at the end of the Prix Key Player CSI 5*, thanks to reigning European Champion Richard Vogel, partner of Sophie Hinners. In this 1.50m speed class, the World No. 9 was the fastest aboard Cubi Cubells, his 10-year-old mare. He narrowly edged out France’s Julien Épaillard on Fringan de Vesquerie by just 0.34 seconds, with Roger-Yves Bost and Embassy du Château finishing 0.48 seconds behind.

“Cubi Cubells might not be the most impressive horse, but she has a huge heart and she’s very quick,” said the German rider. “I’m obviously very happy with the way she jumped. It’s my first time in Dinard, but it’s fantastic. The atmosphere is great, the arena is excellent, and everyone feels good here – including the horses, who are all jumping really well.”

CSI3*, THE FRENC TAKE CONTROL

One, two, three! The Prix Range Rover (1.45m with jump-off) was dominated by a French sweep. Alix Ragot, riding the young 8-year-old mare Serafina DBH Z, topped the podium, finishing just 0’’13 ahead of Nicolas Layec on Ghana du Gast and 0’’14 ahead of François-Xavier Boudant with Funky Boy des Saules.

Fourteen combinations managed to jump clear in the first round, with nine of them repeating the feat in the jump-off.

CSIYH 1*, SOPHIE HINNERS ON TOP ONCE AGAIN

 In the Grand Prix Groupe Lamotte Élevage d’Helby (1.40m with jump-off) for 7-year-old horses, Iron Dames outshone Iron Man. On the sand arena of Val Porée, Germany’s Sophie Hinners started her day in the best possible way. Already the winner of two classes since Thursday, she claimed a third victory aboard Iron Dames Uriel.

Riding Iron Man d’Ozee, France’s Thomas Rousseau had to settle for second place, ahead of Nicolas Layec with Italique Tame, who also enjoyed a strong day with three podium finishes.

CSI1*, A TRULY INTERNATIONAL AFFAIR

American rider Lauren Skowlund was unstoppable in the Prix Emeria Dinard Thalasso & Spa (1.35m against the clock), taking both first and second place. She claimed victory with Langley HX and was “runner-up” with Chapeau PS Z. France’s Luis Louan Jacques joined the podium in third with Silver des Peux.

In the Prix Hôtel Royal Emeraude (1.25m with jump-off), the Marseillaise rang out for Lysa Doeer, riding Hydra de Kreisker, the fastest of the four double clears out of 11 jump-off contenders. South Africa’s Holly Samantha Fox (Guiseppe vh Beeckhof Z) and France’s Caroline Roger (Utopia du Rouet) completed the podium.

Finally, in the Prix Institut Esthederm (1.15m with jump-off), Ireland’s Aisling Byrne on Celeste SPB Z secured victory ahead of French riders Alix Martin with Felix d’Argouges and Lorianne Barrau with Gracefull de Vains.

STARTLISTS AND RESULTS