ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: RIDER NO. 3 Julien Epaillard

Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final: the Countdown continues: -3 days.

1) How did you plan this year’s season and which horses did you ride to qualify for the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final?

This year I was lucky enough to have all my horses in top form. Along with Caracole De La Roque, Donatello D’Auge and Gracieux du Pachis who was sold in July. These were the three horses who were competitive in this year’s Grand Prix and thanks to them this year I’m taking part in the Top 10.

2) Which horse will you be riding in the Final? Tell us about him/her. What sort of bond have you established?

In the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, I’ll be riding my best horse, Caracole de la Roque. This year she took part in the World Championship.  Later, she won the Grand Prix 4* in Opglabbeek and the Grand Prix 5* of Lyon and Madrid. She is a super-mare and I am super-happy to be able to ride her!  

3) This has really been a really excellent year for you. You are considered to be one of the fastest riders in the world. What does it feel like to be riding for the first time in the Top 10?

It has been an extraordinary year for me and to be considered one of the fastest riders is a great honour.  To be in the Top 10 is a great honour, too.  It’s a legendary event and means I’ve worked well all year to be here now, among the top ten riders in the world.