Spectacular victory for Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida with “Comme le Coeur” in the BPI Wealth Management Trophy

The BPI Wealth Management Trophy brought the second day of the Al Shira’aa CSIO3* Lisbon to a spectacular close with an outstanding victory by Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida. The Portuguese rider stormed to victory aboard “Comme le Coeur” in the decisive winning round with breathtaking speed.

Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida and “Comme le Coeur” claimed their second consecutive victory at the Al Shira’aa CSIO3* Lisbon, this time delivering an impressive winning round against top level competition. Riders such as Michael Pender, Jean Maurice Brahier, Pedro Veniss, and Jesús Garmendia, the only Spanish rider to qualify for the decisive round, all gave their best performances in an extremely competitive contest featuring remarkable rounds.

The tiny time differences between their performances perfectly reflected the excitement and competitiveness of the class. Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida and “Comme le Coeur” finished first in 39.58 seconds; Michael Pender and “Thomascourt Victor” were second in 39.70; Jean Maurice Brahier and “Caracoles” took third in 40.08; Pedro Veniss and “Duelante 3K” finished fourth in 40.34; and Jesús Garmendia with “Callias” placed fifth in 40.66.

The successive rounds delivered by these riders, the top five among the fifteen combinations competing in the winning round, thrilled the Lisbon crowd, who enthusiastically supported their favorite rider, Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida, impressed by both his speed and precision.

The winner received the trophy from Diogo Sousa Louro, Executive Board Member of BPI Wealth Management, accompanied by Antonio Luna Vaz, Executive Director of the company, and Luis Cabanas Godino, Vice President of Oxer Sport.

Air Europa Trophy Flew to Switzerland

Saturday’s competition schedule began with the Air Europa Trophy, a speed class contested by 25 horse and rider combinations over 1.40 meter obstacles on a course designed by Bernardo Cabral that offered plenty of opportunities for tight turns and fast lines. The rider who made the most of them was young Swiss competitor Jonas Tiefenauer, who completed his round aboard the chestnut “Monte Cristo” in 62.80 seconds. American rider Carlee McCutcheon finished second in 65.34 seconds with “Victoria Bay,” while Portuguese rider Mafalda Costa took third place in 67.39 seconds riding “Luso N.”

Only five clear rounds were recorded in the class, with two other young Portuguese female riders, Luis Horta and Molly Hughes, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Hughes notably confirmed her recovery after the fall she suffered on Friday afternoon during the Nations Cup.

Jonas Tiefenauer received the Air Europa Trophy from Ana Lúcia Días, Sales Director of the airline, accompanied by Luis Cabanas, Vice President of Oxer Sport, and José Manuel Figueiredo, President of the SHP.

El Corte Inglés Trophy

Between the two CSIO3* classes, a 1.20 meter speed competition reserved for members of the Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa took place, featuring 15 combinations.

The final standings were dominated by female riders, with Leonor Azevedo e Silva claiming victory aboard “Elegant D’Harmonie.” Second place went to Margherita Brazale with “Brunella de la Marchesana,” while Ana Nobre and “Veleda Mail” finished third.

Manuel Paula, Marketing Director of El Corte Inglés, presented the trophy to the winner, accompanied during the ceremony by Antonio Frutuoso, Director of the Al Shira’aa CSIO Lisbon, and José Manuel Figueiredo, President of the Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa.

On Sunday, May 24, the final three competitions of the Al Shira’aa CSIO3* Lisbon will take place: the Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa Trophy, the Porsche Trophy, and the Lisbon Grand Prix presented by Visit Portugal.