Geneva, December 7, 2018 – The Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final always promises to bring top class sport, with the world’s best riders competing for the coveted trophy, and this year did not disappoint. It was a home win for Swiss hero, Steve Guerdat aboard Alamo, who thrilled the crowd with a gasp provoking round in the time of 39.75 seconds. Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann was close behind but could not shave the milliseconds needed off the former Olympic champion’s time. Team World Champion, USA’s McLain Ward and his stunning mare Clinta, produced a textbook round to claim the third podium spot.
Did you find it hard waiting for the final result?
Steve Guerdat: Yes, it is sometimes very hard to wait, especially when you have such a good line-up of riders still to go behind you. Each time a new person started their round I was getting more nervous and was hoping we could keep the lead. I was very happy with my ride tonight, it feels amazing.
When did you decide to enter Alamo for this competition?
Steve Guerdat: I planned Alamo for this final a while ago, I took him to Paris last week mainly to prepare him for this competition. He is a bit of a nervous horse, so I wanted to give him more time in the ring to help calm his nerves. I had a really good feeling with him in the warm-up ring, he was really listening to me, so I decided I had to give it everything in the jump-off. Alamo responded to me so well in the ring and road beautifully, I am just so proud of him.
Can you talk us through what you were thinking during the jump-off?
Steve Guerdat: I knew that Alamo is very good jumper and is quick on the ground. He has a huge drive and jumps forward, so this jump-off course really suited me. My turn to the wall was not perfect, so after the double I thought, I have to give this a real go! I saw an even bigger stride to the second last fence and my horse really helped me here. I then decided to speed up further and left one stride out on the last, Alamo was just amazing, but I was relieved there were no more fences as I don’t think I would have been able to hold him anymore!
How does it feel to equal Rodrigo Pessoa’s record of the greatest number of wins at the CHI Geneva?
Steve Guerdat: Rodrigo was an idol of mine when I was younger, so to know, today, that we share the same number of victories in Geneva feels incredible and is very pleasing to hear!