James Loffet lands the top spot in the Europa Cup Grand Prix in Barcelona
Thursday 24 October 2019
Last Sunday saw James Loffet from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, aboard his 14 year-old gelding Aramus VI by Mermus R, complete a successful trip abroad when he took 2nd place in the Europa Cup Grand Prix at the CSIV-B Veterans show which was held at the prestigious Olympic Arena in Barcelona. The venue, which hosted the Longines FEI Nations Cup Finals a few weeks ago has for the past twenty-five years been the highlight of the Veteran Tour. With this in mind it was with sadness that the announcement came that this would be their final year of hosting it but also the exciting news that the Final will be moving to the new venue of Oliva Nova next year.
Seven combinations from France, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Great Britain produced double clears and the final placings were decided on the time in the second round, which consisted of ten jumps and eleven jumping efforts. James and Aramus crossed the line in 56.93 seconds and was narrowly beaten by French rider Silvie Thomas with Alize de Landette who completed the course in 56.30 seconds.
As a result of his second placing, James was also the winner of the “Europa Cup Finals” which are open to riders who have been successful in the Grand Prix at CSIV events during the previous twelve months. The riders’ scores from the Team Competition on Saturday were added to those in the Grand Prix. Only James and Aramus and Yasmin Wuest from Switzerland riding Cara Bella were still on zero scores after these four rounds of jumping. As James was placed above Yasmin in the Grand Prix he was crowned the winner of the “Cup Finals”
FEI veteran shows are open to riders aged 45 and over who do not intend to compete above 1.35m during the current year. For more information visit www.ajambassadors.com
