Nicolas Delmotte wins the Prize MS Direct Group

In the Prize MS Direct Group the 5* riders had the last opportunity to qualify for the Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland on Sunday (starting at 14:30). In the 150 cm competition, which is worth 26,200 euros, twelve pairs finished the normal course without any penalties. Eleven of them competed for victory in the subsequent jump-off after Steve Guerdat decided not to take part, much to the regret of the numerous spectators. So the Swiss fans put all their hopes on Pius Schwizer as the only remaining Swiss rider in the jump-off. And he did not disappoint them. As the seventh rider in the jump-off, he took the lead with a fast clear round on the ten-year-old mare Quilana Denfer. He held the lead - until Nicolas Delmotte came into the arena as the last rider with Citadin du Chatellier. Delmotte had the luxury of having two horses qualified for the jump-off. As the opening rider, he had already completed the course clear with Baladin des Matis and was only narrowly relegated to second intermediate place by Pius Schwizer. So he already had a place on the podium for sure in his second ride as the final rider in the jump-off. But he didn't seem to be satisfied with that and gave it another go in his second jump-off. The risk paid off, he pushed Pius Schwizer to second place and himself with his first horse to third. 

Once again we were able to enjoy great sport at this year's CSIO. That makes us want more - and there is more! At 18:15 the next highlight is coming up with the Land Rover Speed and Handiness Class and tomorrow from 14:30 the Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland promises to be a worthy conclusion for the Longines CSIO St. Gallen. Both competitions will be broadcast live on SRF Zwei.