Robinson Maupiler won the 1.50m Grand Prix at the CSI3* of Le Pin-au-Haras with Irish Coffee. A clean win, sealed in the jump-off, ahead of Théo Ogorzaly and Laura Kraut. But above all, one hell of a comeback for this 13-year-old KWPN, long gone from the international radar before pulling the espresso machine back out.
Le Pin, ristretto version
Only five clear rounds from forty-seven starters. Twelve retirements. Seventeen combinations on eight faults or more. The Grand Prix at Le Pin-au-Haras was not exactly a countryside stroll with a gingham tablecloth and sweet cider.
In this 1.50m building site, Robinson Maupiler kept his head cool. With Irish Coffeehe produced the fastest double clear in 36.55 seconds. Just behind him, Théo Ogorzaly and Goya Batilly finished in 36.84, ahead of Laura Kraut and Kaylee, third in 37.13.
Irish Coffee, three years in the fridge
The real story of the day wears a piebald coat and carries the name of a generous digestif. Irish Coffee, a 13-year-old KWPN by Diamant de Semilly out of a mare by Sir Shutterfly, has come from a long way back.
Produced by Chilean rider Covarrubias, then worked for nearly three years by Italy’s Michol Del Signore, the gelding had known the top level before disappearing from international shows for around three years. A long break. The kind of silence that often sounds like the end of a chapter.
Then, in the spring, came a brief reappearance underEdwina Tops-Alexander. Two classes in Kronenberg, nothing more. Not convinced, the Australian handed the file over to the home rider. Direction Robinson Maupiler.
Express adjustments, fast victory
The rest almost reads like a well-executed instruction manual: Le Touquet for the first outing, Kessel for the fine-tuning, Le Pin-au-Haras for the first win. Three steps, no big speeches, and a Grand Prix in the pocket.
Three years away from CSI shows, a few weeks to find the rhythm again, and already a Grand Prix to his name. In the end, Irish Coffee may not have disappeared after all. He was simply waiting for his hour.
Find the full results of the CSI3* Grand Prix at Le Pin-au-Haras here.
