Bordeaux Crowns Its First Lady: Jessica Burke Writes Show Jumping History
A night destined to remain etched in the memory of international show jumping. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Grand Prix of Bordeaux finally crowned a female winner. The author of this historic breakthrough was Ireland’s Jessica Burke, 34, a former mathematics teacher who delivered a flawless performance to shatter a barrier that had stood for nearly half a century.
The Bordeaux Grand Prix had long been one of the last major strongholds on the world circuit never conquered by a woman. In the past, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, then world number one, had come agonisingly close, yet female victory continued to elude the prestigious French arena. Until now.
A Victory That Speaks Volumes
Ranked 171st in the world and having made her CSI5* debut only four months earlier in Oslo, Jessica Burke rose to the occasion against a world-class field. Thirty-four combinations took part, only eight of them female riders, on a demanding course designed by Yann Royant: thirteen fences, three combinations, heights up to 1.60m and a final oxer at 1.65m—technical, selective and testing, yet always respectful of the horses.
The opening round proved unforgiving. Among the early casualties was European League leader and pre-event favourite Julien Épaillard, who finished with two faults aboard Donatello d’Auge. Clear rounds were scarce. The first came from young German talent Tom Schewe with Congress Blue PS, followed by Daniel Deusser on Otello de Guldenboom, Brazil’s Yuri Mansur with Yutiki, and Jessica Burke partnered with Good Star du Bary.
A One-Way Jump-Off
In the jump-off, all three male riders incurred four penalties, effectively rolling out the red carpet for the Irish rider. Remaining true to her philosophy, Jessica Burke refused to ride defensively:
“I simply rode my round as usual, without trying anything special.”
The result was a second clear round and a landmark victory. She became the first woman to win the Bordeaux Grand Prix since 1978 and, in doing so, secured her qualification for the World Cup Final.
Voices from the Arena
Clearly moved, Jessica Burke admitted she only grasped the magnitude of her achievement moments later:
“I didn’t realise straight away that I was actually the first woman to win here. It’s only my second time competing in Bordeaux. My horse is just ten years old, but he already has plenty of World Cup experience. Today I was especially motivated.”
Second-placed Daniel Deusser displayed exemplary sportsmanship:
“I’m very happy for Jessica. Her horse always jumps extremely well and has often been a little unlucky. Today was their day, and their victory is thoroughly deserved.”
A Victory with Profound Symbolic Value
Bordeaux’s breakthrough is more than a sporting triumph—it is a powerful statement for the entire equestrian world: talent, determination and excellence know no gender. On one of the sport’s most prestigious stages, Jessica Burke proved that dreams can be realised, even far from the spotlight.
The evening was made even more poignant by the presence of Good Star du Bary’s owner, celebrating her 60th birthday—an unforgettable gift delivered by horse and rider alike.
The 2026 Jumping International de Bordeaux thus draws to a close with a fairytale ending and a new “First Lady” destined to remain forever in show jumping history.
Photo credits: © Artistes Associés Photographes – Jumping International de Bordeaux
© Rights Reserved.
