IRISHMAN, Neal Fearon, riding Peanuts VI, won last Sunday’s Grand Prix in the 3rd Vilamoura Equestrian Tour, taking away prize money of 4,400 euros. Second and third places were taken by Frenchmen, Edouard Couperie and Joelle Cairaschi Dagut, who won 3,800 and 3,000 euros respectively.
The event is sponsored by Albox Portugal and Lusotur, and runs in Vilamoura until March 20. With some 540 horses and 200 riders, from a total of 18 countries around the world, the event is one of the most important international equestrian competitions hosted in Portugal. Future highlights are the big money races of March 13 and 20, which count towards International Equestrian Federation ranking.
A spokesman for the competition said: “The event presents a rare opportunity for open-air competition training at this time of year, when it would be impossible in many other countries, thanks to the Algarve climate.”
Frenchman, Olivier Guillon won the tour’s first Grand Prix on February 27, taking away 2,200 euros in prize money. Guillon was closely followed by Dutchmen, Harry Smolders and Edwin Smits, who came second, and third respectively.
Among more than 20 top Portuguese riders competing are Luís Sabino Gonçalves and Francisco Moura.
