Rik Hemeryck and Inouï du Seigneur rule in Saint-Lô
October 28th 2024, author: Mélina Massias
Original article : https://studforlife.com/fr/actualite/rik-hemeryck-et-inoui-du-seigneur-regnent-sur-saint-lo
Rik Hemeryck and Inouï du Seigneur chose Saint-Lô to celebrate their first Grand Prix 4* victory. The Belgian and his powerful, undeniably talented SBS were the only riders to complete the two rounds of the CSI 4* show jumping competition within only one point of the mark. The pair finished ahead of Pénélope Leprevost and her jewel Ehning Flamingo, as well as Lorenzo de Luca and Violino Il Palazetto who, at the age of fifteen, was competing in his first 4* Grand Prix. In the United States this time, another pair celebrated their first victory.
What a scenario! Rik Hemeryck and his team will long remember the first 4* Grand Prix victory of the brilliant Inouï du Seigneur. Having reached full maturity at the age of ten, the son of Jenson van’t Meulenhof fulfilled all the hopes raised over the last few seasons by winning the 4* Grand Prix at Saint-Lô on Sunday 27 October, being the only horse to complete both courses with a time point.
Rik Hemeryck and his brilliant Inouï du Seigneur put in their finest joint performance to date. © Pixels Events
Despite conceding a time point in the first round, the Belgian and his powerful ten-year-old gelding were indeed the best in this Grand Prix contested over two rounds! ‘I never thought there would be so many faults in the second round. That worked in my favour', said Rik Hemeryck, delighted with the day’s scenario. ‘I was just within the time limit in the second run, and Penelope came very close to sitting in my place! It was a good Grand Prix, with great competition. Every year, great riders come here to Saint-Lô. I’m really pleased to have won this event, especially as I finished second, behind Jeroen Dubbeldam, on my last visit, in 2017. Inouï was purchased three years ago by my owner, Herica Ravel (who was in the front row to witness her protégé’s triumph, editor’s note), and I’d like to thank her very much for her support.'
By winning the 4* Grand Prix at Saint-Lô, Inouï du Seigneur put a smile on the face of his entire team. © Pixels Events
Although his left eye is missing, Inouï du Seigneur, the aptly-named, overcame all the difficulties of the two courses proposed by Olympic ringmaster Grégory Bodo and his team. However, the gelding, born to the Vanlangendonck family, had a tumultuous start in his career, going so far as to be violent in some of his reactions. After listening to him, with patience and hard work, the bay agreed to let himself be guided by his rider, until he achieved his consecration at Saint-Lô.
From a very interesting maternal family, including Gracieux du Pachis, Tinka’s Hero and the stallion Don’t Touch Tiji Hero, Inouï du Seigneur has honoured his origins and brought priceless joy to all those who care for him on a daily basis.
Good blood proved itself for the bay gelding born to the Vanlangendonck family. © Pixels Events
By tightening the time allowed for the initial act of the Grand Prix as soon as the first pair of the Grand Prix passed through, Grégory Bodo saw the showpiece event of this CSI 4* give birth to a completely unique scenario, as no pair managed to string together two perfect performances! This outcome delighted the top three riders in the final ranking, the only ones to complete their second round with a clean score.
