French victory by unbeatable Dilasser in the European final

It was victory for French speed phantom Marc Dilasser and his four-legged partner Arioto du Gevres.

Quotes:

- It's my first visit to Gothenburg Horse Show, my first World Cup victory, I'm completely taken aback for the moment, said Marc Dilasser who literally led from start to finish.

Course designe Peter Lundström had set up a real challenge in the last competition of the season, also the European final of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, which sifted the chaff from the wheat without posing a threat on the horses' well-being..

- This was a challenge unlike any other, it required a lot of riding and a lot of technique. As I see it, we had ten rides that actually mastered the difficulties presented and deserved to be faultless - only four of them managed to keep a clean score sheet in the end, noted Peter Lundström.

Show Director Tomas Torgersen noted with newfound peace of mind that the audience had returned in the same spirit as in previous years. The Gothenburg Horse Show is entering its 46th year and a 50th anniversary celebration is not too far away.

- We are so happy to be back and take pride in the fact that the world-famous audience remains after a two-year involuntary hiatus, he stated.

Winning Marc Dilasser with Arioto du Gevres, a 13-year-old gelding that Marc has ridden for seven years, was caught up in the moment, missed his flight but wasn't sad about it.

- I will stay and celebrate the victory with Arioto's breeder and owner from the French stud S.A.R.L. EQUIOUEST which are on site here in Gothenburg with us.

- I have been close to winning big classes with Arioto before but this is the first big win so I am happy for my owners. They have stood by my side not only in the sunshine but also when it rained heavily, it is priceless to have such owners.

- Arioto is such a fighter, he was not so easy as a young horse but he has the benefit of that spirited soul now, a wonderful horse for me, stated Dilasser.

Lars Bak Andersen was joined in the jump-off by his compatriot Andreas Schou, but Darc de Luxe and Andreas had one down in the jump-off, while Lars Bak Andersen's mare Ethene was clear. Third place in the world cup leg of Gothenburg was their best result so far in their career and the mare is only eleven years old.

- I feel fantastic right now, Scandinavium is an incredible arena to compete in and there have been lovely courses all week. My horse is great, such an incredible individual. I have had Ethene for 2.5 years, she was a bit difficult as a youngster but it helps her today, that extra feistiness is required at the highest level.

- I have had many horses but this one I can keep thanks to my horse owner Hyperion Stud, it feels like an exciting future, commented Lars Bak Andersen.

Irma Karlsson is back on a higher level again making her mark and she became the best Swede in the world cup class.

- It was tough but a fun track to ride, I'm so happy for my horse Chaconnu, he's back in shape. It's just such a good feeling that my beloved horse is on the move again, said Irma Karlsson.

Two Swedes have accumulated enough points during the World Cup season to be eligible to start in the final in Omaha and that is Henrik von Eckerman and Wilma Hellström.

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