Sous la verrière du Grand Palais, Simon Delestre a encore frappé. Samedi, le Lorrain s’est offert l’épreuve du 24 Faubourg (1,50 m à difficulté progressive) au Saut Hermès avec l’inusable et redoutable Olga van de Kruishoeve , right under the noses of Thibeau Spits and Daniel Deusser. An attacking victory, in the image of the pair: fast, precise, almost inevitable.
A simple equation: attack or watch others win
In this type of class, there’s no real room for half-measures. Delestre knows it, and embraces it.
« These are classes where you really have to attack from fence one, because it’s like a jump-off over ten fences. Riders go fast, so you’re forced… if you don’t take all the risks from the start, you don’t have much chance of winning. »
Plan executed to perfection. The Frenchman flowed through the course, seemingly without calculation, with an Olga true to her reputation: quick, agile, and above all unfazed by the pressure of the Grand Palais.
Olga, built for Paris
It’s not a surprise, it’s almost a habit. Olga knows the place. And it shows.
« Olga is fast. In any case, she’s a very quick mare. She already has quite a number of wins to her name. She’s fast, she’s handy. She’s already won the big class here… she’s already done the Grand Prix here. She’s an outstanding mare. »
In such an electric setting, where fences “come up quickly” and the atmosphere can shake even the most experienced riders, the mare remains unshaken.
« When you’re turning with fences that come up fast, she’s not impressed, she doesn’t get caught out. And that plays a big role in an environment like this. »
Hermès, a world of its own
Winning here doesn’t feel like winning anywhere else. Delestre doesn’t beat around the bush.
« Yes, truly, it’s different. It’s the crowd, the venue, Hermès, who we work with… all of that gives it even more intensity than elsewhere. »
(Simon Delestre and Olga van de Kruishoeve always right on time at the Saut Hermès)
An added dimension that’s hard to quantify—but very real. And clearly, it works.
« When it works here, it’s on another level. »
And now, the Grand Prix in sight
A win, yes, but no easing off.
« Grand Prix classes are the objective every weekend. »
With Gatsbydu Tillardin his sights, set to make his debut at this level during the show.
« He’s an exceptional horse… but he doesn’t yet have the experience of others. He’s here to build himself. »
As for a fourth victory in the Saut Hermès Grand Prix?
« Before the end of my career, I hope. This Sunday, we’ll see. (laughs) »
Under the Parisian glass roof, Simon Delestre continues to write his story with Hermès. And above all, with Olga. A story of speed, trust, and perfect timing. Classic. Efficient. Formidable.
