WORDS FROM THE CHAMPIONS
Saturday May 8, 2004
BELGIUM (team gold medal)
Pierre Arnault (Chef d'Euipe)
"For our first participation at La Baule, I am very proud
of this result. It is not a chocolate medal! On a very flat course
and very fast, where the quality of canter and the speed of the
horses made the difference, the Belgian team played the cross-country
game. The orders were to leave in front, be in the pack, and to
see what comes. When I saw that the other teams were dropping
out at the various stages, the orders were to slow down to ensure
a good finish.
This gold medal will be very good for Belgian senior endurance,
as with those who have given themselves all levels in this discipline.
It is a very wonderful individual reward - which solidifies the
personal work of the riders - and collectively because it will
help to improve the evolution of our national policy in endurance.
I make a point of addressing my heartiest congratulations to the
impeccable organization of the CEIO - one seldom sees that in
this sport - and to the two Italian riders for a magnificent performance.
Next year, we will also try return with the individual medal ".
Léonard Liesens (member of the
Belgian team)
"I was a little apprehensive concerning the state of the
ground which was hard, with a lot of tarmac (which was partially
checked) and the muddy paths to negotiate which, in fact, proved
to be beneficial to lowering the pace and giving the horses a
breathing space. By putting a foot in it, there were no risks.
It was a beautiful race. On the return, the only way to cross
back over the lagoon was at a canter. A superb memory!"
ITALY (gold and bronze individual medals
Sergio Tommasi (Chef d'Equipe)
"Of the five horses entered, four were doing their first
160 kilometre race. When the third team horse left the veterinary
control, I let Angela attack. Her horse Jadana was one of fastest
of the whole the race.
From the beginning, I chose to put Diana, her sister, in individually
because she had the best prepared horse. She had a little more
freedom than the others but the orders were to run with the French,
to see how Jasmineh behaved, and that if all was going well to
attack in second part of race. What she did went very well. Not
only did she win, but Jasmineh also won the prize for best physical
condition. An enormous satisfaction and a wonderful overall reward
for Italian endurance ".
Diana Orrigi (individual gold medal)
"The countryside was very beautiful, but the race was difficult
to manage because of the undulating course. Speed had to be managed
even more, in as much as it's the first time that Jasmineh has
done such a long race. I am delighted".
Angela Orrigi (individual bronze medal)
"I loved this competition, the places we crossed, the impeccable
organization, and especially the public who supported and encouraged
us throughout the whole race. That doesn't happen in Italy."
FRANCE (individual silver medal)
Sophie Arnaud
"It was the first race of 160 kilometres for my horse Dalton
du Capimont. No special instructions from the trainer. My objective
was to follow the others, and in no way to finish front. Dalton
has the enormous advantage of having a very fast capacity for
recovery which enabled me to always enter the vet gates (veterinary
controls) first.
The last loop was not easy. I found myself alone, without anyone
to team up with. I did not think about doing so much and of obtaining
this result of. It is super! The horse is going to rest for two
months then we will see about the programme for the rest of the
season."