Emanuele Gaudiano races to victory in CSI5* First Individual Class 1.45m presented by the Ministry of Sport

Competition is officially underway at the GC Riyadh Playoffs. The first 5* individual 1.45 class presented by the Ministry of Sport saw the world’s top riders go head-to-head for the first time under the floodlights in Riyadh. Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano claimed the top spot in the opening class aboard Nikolaj de Music.

Gaudiano looked to be on the hunt for a win as he set off on the 11-year-old stallion, looking to better Victor Bettendorf’s lightning-fast time of 58.32 seconds. The pair made it look easy as they flew across the finish line, securing first place. “Nikolaj is a quick horse. I am very happy about the win, he jumped good today,” said Gaudiano. Going on to say, “for a win I knew I had to give everything, and he was fast enough."

Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf took second place aboard the fast and fiery Cancun Torel Z. The pair raced across the course, but in the end had to settle for second place when Gaudiano came home just 0.61 seconds quicker. Third place went to Julien Epaillard and Donatello d'Auge. The French rider rode full gas across the course but could not quite match Gaudiano’s unbeatable time. 

Michael Pender of Ireland took fourth place. Pender and HH Cyprus made quick work of the course, coming home clear in just 60.28 seconds to secure fourth. Rounding out the top five was Belgium’s Jérôme Guery riding Careca LS Elite. Guery expertly navigated the course aboard the 13-year-old gelding, earning the pair a top five finish in this opening class. 

1st Place - Emanuele Gaudiano, Nikolaj de Music (ITA)

2nd Place - Victor Bettendorf, Cancun Torel Z (LUX) 

3rd Place - Julien Epaillard, Donatello d'Auge (FRA) 

4th Place - Michael Pender, HHS Cyprus (IRL) 

5th Place - Jérôme Guery, Careca LS Elite (BEL) 

6th Place - Ines Joly, Faylinn de Fondcombe (FRA) 

7th Place - Donald Whitaker, Millfield Colette (GBR) 

8th Place - Olivier Robert, Fallowey Lyade (FRA) 

9th Place - Eoin McMahon, Kokomo B (IRL)

10th Place - Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, Made In't Ruytershof (ESP)

 

This evening, the GCL Super Cup kicks off with the Quarter Finals, starting at 20:10 in Riyadh. Don’t miss a moment, stream the GC Riyadh Playoffs live for just €4.99!