Romain Duguet Dazzles in the Des Haras Prize CSI 4* at Cabourg

Cabourg, France – May 29, 2026 – The Swiss Romain Duguet (SUI) won the major event of the first day of the Cabourg Classic CSI 4* this Thursday, May 28. Associated with Bel Canto de Boguin, he signed the fastest clear round in the Des Haras Prize CSI 4* at 1.50 m, ahead of the Briton Guy Williams (GBR) with BH Gringos Legacy and the Belgian Constant van Paesschen (BEL) on Diaz du Thot. Twenty riders validated their qualification for the CWD Grand Prix of the City of Cabourg CSI 4*, scheduled for Sunday May 31.

Duguet couldn’t have dreamed of a better start to the Cabourg Classic CSI 4*, organized by the Grand Prix Events teams. This Thursday, the Swiss brilliantly won the flagship event of the first day, the Prix des Haras, rated at 1.50 m, qualifying for the Sunday Grand Prix and counting for the Longines world ranking, depriving Guy Williams of a victory at the helm of BH Gringos Legacy.

From the start of the event, however, it was the Belgian Constant van Paesschen (BEL) who took control. Starting in tenth position among the seventy-five competitors entered on the Tribunes track, the rider of Diaz du Thot completed his course in 68”72, then getting the better of Yun-Chi Lin. The representative of Chinese Taipei had th lead until then, registering the first clear round of the afternoon with the Selle Français mare Driss de Kerglenn, daughter of Mylord Carthago.

Installed at the top of the provisional ranking for almost a third of the event, the rider from Halle, in Flemish Brabant, finally saw Guy Williams (GBR) steal the lead from him. Starting with number twenty-eight, the Briton lowered the timer to 67”33.

But a few moments later, Romain Duguet (SUI) accelerated the pace again BH Gringos Legacy to win with a thirty-two hundredths lead.

Mission Accomplished for Grégory Bodo

The Cabourg Classic CSI 4* represents the opportunity for Grégory Bodo (FRA) to officiate for the first time of the year in one of the competitions organized by Grand Prix Events. As is often the case, the co-course manager of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games fulfilled his mission perfectly. If twenty riders won their qualifying ticket for the CWD Grand Prix of the City of Cabourg, nineteen competitors left all the bars on the cleats in this des Haras Prize. Cédric Angot, author of the fastest four-point course with Gandor du Fief, also validated his qualification for the premier event of the weekend.

“I didn’t find the ratings for this event to be very high, which makes sense considering it’s only Thursday. Initially, I thought there would be more clear rounds but, even today, we were able to appreciate the talent of Grégory Bodo. There were mistakes all over the course. The test was very well constructed. We had to try to go quickly without overheating, because the course remained delicate. In any case, we know well that when Grégory Bodo is course manager, it is not necessary for the obstacles to be high for the bars to fall,” explained the winner.”

A Perfect Organization – Romain Duguet (SUI)

“It’s always good to qualify on the first day of competition. I know Bel Canto is a fast horse. I’ve been riding him for eight years now and he’s very consistent. The couple scored their sixteenth international victory today. He is very determined and our entourage is wonderful. Its owners trust me completely and, in such a setting, we can only work well. Today my goal was to win. Bel Canto is now fifteen years old and I am aware that we will not be competing for ten years yet… Finally, as with all events organized by Grand Prix Events, the organization is perfect. Everything is very professional, with a warm touch that makes our weekends particularly pleasant,” concluded Romain Duguet.

Final Results – €28,200 Des Haras Prize CSI 4*

1) Romain Duguet (SUI) & Bel Canto de Boguin – 0 – 67.01

2) Guy Williams (GBR) & BH Gringos Legacy – 0 – 67.33

3) Constant van Paesschen (BEL) & Diaz du Thot – 0 – 68.07

Source: Press Release from (translated & edited) Grand Prix Events

Photo: © Grand Prix Events

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