French star Staut continues solid form at Al Shaqab 05 Mar 2021 - 10:05 Rizwan Rehmat | The Peninsula French riding star Kevin Staut is making a habit of it. The 40-year-old yesterday guided Visconti du Telman to a flawless routine to clinch the individual classification in the Global Champions League inside the iconic Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. Staut won a similar 1.55m class last week and yesterday the Frenchman produced tight lines with his 12-yearold mare to win the top prize of €13,750. Visconti du Telman clocked a time of 61.73 seconds as Staut underlined his intentions for action today and tomorrow. Staut’s compatriot Simon Delestre, astride Berlux Z, secured the second fastest time of 63.44 seconds. Delestre won €11,000. Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt, in the saddle with Coby, ended in third spot (63.74 seconds, €8,250). “I was lucky because I know it is two different competitions. You know (what to expect) when you are riding single – individual and for yourself - and when you are riding for the team. Then I (also) knew that my mare jumped really great last week,” Staut said after the competition. “She is really in good shape. Even at the practice arena, she was really relaxed and focused at the same time. Honestly I think it (the win was seen) a little bit everywhere (during the competition). “When I had seen the riders riding for the team (competition), I knew I had to go fast and fast at the end. I had a good rhythm and I tried to keep that rhythm until the end,” he added. When asked about his plans for today’s ride, Staut said: “I will try to win tomorrow (Friday). Tomorrow she will jump the 150 AA again. For Saturday, I really don’t know as I have to see my horse jumping. Honestly I am enjoying as I had a good win last week. Today I have started with a good opening round. Of course I am very happy today but I will have a strategy for Saturday also.” The Frenchman praised Qatar for helping the sport resume its activities ‘in tough times’. “I think all the riders said the same thing last week when we asked them (about Al Shaqab). In this difficult time, everybody is happy to be back in the sport.