Fontainebleau, CSI5* Gets Underway: Bettendorf Claims the First Major Class

At the Printemps des Sports Équestres in Fontainebleau, international show jumping has now stepped firmly into high gear. On the second day of competition, the level rose significantly in the prestigious Terrain d’Honneur at the Grand Parquet, where the first CSI5* class took place: the Prix de la Communauté d’Agglomération du Pays de Fontainebleau (1.45m speed class).

With 70 combinations representing 19 nations across four continents, the class once again highlighted the importance of this French event on the global equestrian calendar.

Far from being just an opening class, this competition served as a crucial test for riders, who aimed to familiarize themselves with the iconic grass arena ahead of the weekend’s highlights, particularly Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Designed by Grégory Bodo, the course featured 12 obstacles and 14 efforts, with a time allowed of 74 seconds. It was a flowing yet demanding track, requiring riders to strike the right balance between pace and control from the outset. In total, 22 combinations managed to produce clear rounds.

The fastest of them all was Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf, who, aboard Horacio du Gué, stopped the clock at 64.65 seconds, narrowly edging out France’s Alexa Ferrer with Hastoria Bo Regard. Third place went to Kevin Staut riding Feline de Hus HDC in 67.78 seconds.

For Bettendorf, the victory was particularly meaningful, achieved with a young horse making its debut at five-star level.

“I’m obviously very happy, as I really pushed for the win with Horacio. He is only nine years old and this is his first five-star competition, so he is still learning. I’m not trying to qualify him for Sunday’s Grand Prix at all costs; the goal is to give him experience in these classes. Today he confirmed the positive feeling I’ve had in previous competitions—he’s a horse with a great mindset, always trying his best. On the grass, I even felt he was jumping better than usual. It’s such a pleasure to be back in Fontainebleau’s main arena. I hadn’t ridden here for 10 or 15 years, and it’s truly special to return to one of the most iconic grass arenas in France.”

This opening class has officially set the tone for the CSI5* competition, already offering valuable insights ahead of the major events to come later in the week.

Photo credits: ©PSV-J.Morel

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