A French Grand Prix horse for Justin Verboomen

After the success we know with Djembe de Hus, Justin Verboomen has seen his string of horses enriched in recent weeks with another well-known French Grand Prix horse: Fellini du Soleil, Stéphanie Brieussel's horse.

Bred by Marianne Eichenberger, this son of Foundation and Rubin Royal had, until now, allowed her sympatic rider rider from Val d'Oise to win the Pro 1 Championship in 2022, become Vice-Champion of France Pro Elite in 2024 (photo), and participate in the Lyon World Cup leg.

After a more difficult 2025 season due to health issues, Stéphanie Brieussel, in agreement with her co-owner Gildas Nicoleau, has decided to give the reins of her delicate but no less talented Hanoverian. She explained to Dressprod, "I'm suffering from severe tendinitis in my shoulder, which is literally hanging by a thread… Some people even noticed it at times last season. Now, I'm going to have to undergo surgery and I won't be able to ride for several months." Dominique and I are delighted to have entrusted Fellini to Justin; we can't wait to see what the duo will produce." Stéphanie Brieussel has therefore decided to prioritize her health, a choice that is easily understandable since her husband underwent open-heart surgery in recent months.

Also contacted by Dressprod, the world number one explained, "Stéphanie called me and we immediately clicked. They came to the stables for two days, we worked with Fellini together, and that's how things started. He's a horse I really like because he's incredibly sensitive, so we'll see how it goes. I really enjoy riding him; he has great qualities, and it's always very interesting for me to ride horses that have been trained by other riders because I learn from them without knowing them personally, and these horses that are already trained also teach me a lot."

crédit photo : FEI/FlashOneInstant