Whenever French riding star Julien Epaillard arrives in Qatar to take part in a competition held at Al Shaqab, you will notice that fans expect a quality performance from the 42-year-old rider.
And rightly so!
Last week, Epaillard kicked off the 2020 season with three wins at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab.
Epaillard, astride 11-year-old Virtuose Champeix, last Thursday clinched the battle in the 1.55m class, edging Great Britain’s Scott Brash to the top spot with a flawless routine in his opening win.
A couple of hours earlier the same day, he had guided Alibi de la Roque to the top spot in the two-phased 1.45m class.
Less than 24 hours later, Epaillard relied on his trusted aide Virtuose Champeix to seal another classy win under pressure at his favourite hunting ground in the jump-off of the 1.55m competition.
Last year, the Frenchman won the first round of the Longines Global Champions Tour - world’s richest show jumping series - in Doha by edging out defending champion Ben Maher by a whisker.
“I have to say I have had a super start to the season. The 2020 season for me at the moment is amazing. A lot of victories so far,” Epaillard said in an interview ahead of this week’s LGCT season opener at Al Shaqab.
Excerpts from the same interview:
Question: You won three competitions last week. Tell us how you feel?
Answer: Yes, I won three competitions. It was a nice experience. My horses were really good. The same horses were here last year. They had a two-month break before I came here. That’s why I didn’t ride with him in the Grand Prix (last Saturday). I want to keep them fit for later. That’s the plan for next week. I want to keep them fresh for more competitions. It is important to arrive at an event in good form. My horse lacked experience here but it was okay.
Q: What do you think about the facilities here?
A: It’s my third time here. I really like the show here. I really like the Al Shaqab Arena. It’s a big arena. I like to gallop with my horses here. That’s why I really like this style of arena. Everything around the arena is well organised for horses. We have a lot of spaces around the show to work the horses. It’s fantastic because we can keep the horses in good training.
Q: You won the Grand Prix last year. What are your thoughts on that?
A: Yes, last year I won the Grand Prix with Usual Suspect d’Auge. The horse got a break after that. He had a good season in 2019. He had break at the end of last season. He was a bit tired. Then I started with him after a break. I would like to come back with same horse but sometimes the horses feel tired and we have to give them a break.
Q: I believe your horses don’t wear shoes? Can you explain that?
A: Not all my horses. Some don’t wear shoes and some have it. It’s a different way to see things. It is better for the blood flow for the horses. I think it is better for the horses. It’s also to put shoes again when I go on grass. It’s not all something on the foot. I just put shoes before a Monday when I have a grass show. I have been doing it for one year. The results are very nice for the moment.
Q: Historically you have done well at Al Shaqab. What is that brings the best out of you at this arena?
A: I don’t know. I really like the space in the ring. This ring is one of my favourite rings, I have to say. I love big rings. I can directly go on the gallop with my big horses. I think is easier for them to jump. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I love the stadium. I have to say I have had a super start to the season. 2020 season for me at the moment is amazing. A lot of victories so far. I have to take care of my horses. But I am very lucky as I have five horses who can jump five star, I can also come to events with fresh horses.
Q: Are the Olympics on your radar?
A: The Olympics are a little bit far for me. It is in my head (smiles). I am focused on Las Vegas World Cup final. For the moment, I am making special preparation for Las Vegas. I have to ride a couple of Nations Cup. I have to prove my worth in Nations Cup. If I do that, then I may have a chance to go the Games.
Q: What is your take on the coronavirus forcing cancellation of events around the world?
A: I think not many people took it seriously. We travel a lot so there is concern. We are trying to take care. I am not afraid at the moment. I want sport events to continue and that there are not many cancellations in the future. I hope Olympics are not cancelled. We have so may important jumping events to go to.
