British domination of the 2010 Olympia Horse Show finally ended in the €60,000 Kingsland Olympia grand prix, when France’s world silver medallist Pénélope Leprevost proved unbeatable in the 10-horse jump-off.
Pénélope produced a stunning display from first draw on Miss Vallette to set a 33.5sec target that no one else could match.
“My mare is very fast,” said Pénélope. “I was confident that I had gone fast enough.”
Compatriot Simon Delestre finished a full second behind in second place riding Oslo Du Chalet.
“I am really happy with my week,” declared the 29-year-old, a young rider team gold medallist with Kevin Staut at Hartpury in 2000. “It’s a great atmosphere here, even if the audience does prefer the British riders!”
Continental domination continued with Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson in third on H&M Reveur De Hurtebise, and last year’s winner, the elegant Dutch horseman Eric van der Vleuten (VDL Groep Utascha SFN) in fourth.
Tim Stockdale upheld British honour in fifth with a double clear on his King George V winner, the powerful Fresh Direct Kalico Bay, but the bookies favourite, Ellen Whitaker, was eliminated for taking the wrong course.
Leading rider of the show
The consistent Dutch Olympian Marc Houtzager snatched the H&M leading rider trophy, beating crowd favourite Laura Renwick, by just two points. Ben Maher, who had been leading the points table for most of the show, ended up third, ahead of Ellen Whitaker.
Don’t miss H&H’s full report on all the action from Olympia horse show, on sale Thursday 23 December
