May 13, 2005 – La Baule, France – For the second year in a row, a JustWorld Rider Representative claimed victory in the 45,000 Speed Derby held at CSIO La Baule, France, from May 4-8, 2005.

One year after Herve Godignon of France claimed top honours, Gregory Wathelet of Belgium took his turn in the winner’s circle, piloting Hugo Gesmeray, a 10-year-old selle francais stallion, to the win. His time of 141.15 seconds over a challenging track that includes open water and natural obstacles was more than three seconds faster than his nearest competitor, Michel Hercart of France, who finished second for the second year in a row riding the aptly named, That’s Life. The defending champions, Godignon and his long-time partner, the selle francais stallion Calypso d’Herbiers, were forced to settle for sixth this year.

Wathelet is one of Belgium’s fastest rising stars. Since winning the Belgian Young Riders’ Championship in 2001, he has gone on to enjoy great success riding horses for Yves Lauwers’ Haras des Hayettes, including his Derby partner, Hugo Gesmeray, a 10-year-old selle francais stallion by Rosire. In 2004, the pair placed third in the Sires Final held at the World Breeding Championship in Lanaken, Belgium.

“JustWorld Rider Representative Herve Godignon of France finished second in the 100,000 Grand Prix of La Baule riding Obelix.” Photo Credit - PSV

A day after helping France gain third place in the first Samsung Super League Nations’ Cup event of the year, Godignon, 53, came close to claiming victory, finishing as the runner-up in the 100,000 Grand Prix. When no clears were produced and both he and Gil de Balanda were tied for the lead with one time penalty, the two riders advanced to a jump-off. There, Godignon once again left all the rails up but incurred one time fault while de Balanda was fault-free. Godignon took second place riding Obelix and matched Wathelet’s prize money from Saturday’s Derby, also claiming 15,000 Euros for his result. Both riders donate a portion of their earnings to JustWorld International, a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization founded to prepare and empower students to become visionary leaders and work for social justice by assisting orphans and underprivileged children.

In addition to being a Rider Representative, Godignon also sits on the ‘Jump for a Just World’ Advisory Board. Riding at CSIO La Baule is especially meaningful for the Olympic Bronze Medallist as he won the first grand prix event of his career there in 1976. Frederic Cottier and another ‘Jump for a Just World’ Advisory Board member, Serge Houtmann of France, set the courses at CSIO La Baule.

Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International, was in attendance at CSIO La Baule and was thrilled by the success of the JustWorld Rider Representatives.

“Last year, JustWorld Rider Representatives were very successful in La Baule with Herve claiming the Speed Derby and Kevin Babington winning the Grand Prix,” noted Newman, 29, a former grand prix rider who chose to concentrate her efforts on forming JustWorld International after working with street children in Honduras. “We came very close to repeating that performance again this year. I am especially happy to see these two JustWorld riders do well, as Herve has enjoyed a long and successful show jumping career and Gregory’s is just beginning. I have always felt that those who are willing to give something will receive something in return, and these two riders proved that philosophy this weekend.”

JustWorld International Rider Representatives include Angela Covert of Canada, Kevin Babington of Ireland, Christophe Barbeau of Switzerland, Federico Fernandez of Mexico, Marcus Fuchs of Switzerland, Herve Godignon of France, Imke Hofschroer of Germany, Eric Lamaze of Canada, Rutherford Latham of Spain, Olivier Guillon of France, Candice King of the United States, Titi Mills of Honduras, Eric Navet of France, Ludo Philippaerts of Belgium, Ray Texel of the United States, Marilyn Vorpe of Switzerland and Gregory Wathelet of Belgium. Through various initiatives, including donating a portion of their prize money or giving clinics to benefit JustWorld International, riders are able to support the organization’s projects and programs.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International offers fellowship programs for students from around the globe to learn leadership skills and acquire the tools necessary to make a positive difference in the world. With three project sites located in Cambodia, Honduras and Senegal, students are working for change in a wide variety of environments on behalf of JustWorld International. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.