Jérôme Guery (BEL) and the 15-year-old stallion Papillon Z (Perhaps v.Berkenbroeck x San Patrignano Cassini) raised the temperatures on the final day of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Chantilly, with a hotly contested fight to the finish of the Master Del Monte & Region Hauts de France.

The last CSI5* class of the weekend kicked off under deep blue skies with plenty of sunshine to see the 2017 LGCT of Chantilly out. Fending off Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) and Laura Kraut (USA) who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively, a delighted Guery said: “My horse was super today. He has been my partner for a long time, so it’s special to win like this. I gave 100% and more, and my horse did the same for me.”

Eight would return to the ring for the jump-off, with Yuri Mansur Guerios (BRA) the first to go. The Brazilian rider set off at a pace and taking stride out between one and two. But taking a pull into the oxer, Unita Ask (Corrado I x Caretino) backed off the bridle, pulling up abruptly and missing the stride to crash through the fence. Marc Dilasser (FRA) put in a brave shot with Cliffton Belesbat (Clinton x Halando II v.d.Watering), the crowd shouting ‘allez’ as the pair galloped to the last. An elated crowd roared their approval as the duo stopped the clock in 36.99s, laying down the time to beat.

The galloping track suited Laura Kraut’s (USA) Whitney (Indoctro x Concorde), with the chestnut mare soaring around the arena. Flat out to the last, Kraut urged her horse on, flying at the final fence to stop the clock in 36.81s, raising the bar for the rest of the field to come.

The formidable Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) lifted the temperatures further still, after an electric performance with Limestone Grey (Try-Time) saw the time drop to 35.41s - over a second quicker, and throwing the pressure onto the remaining riders. Jos Verlooy (BEL) rode his own round with the 9-year-old Igor (Emerald van 'T Ruytershof x Nabab de Reve), the young horse still being produced and gaining experience. But a couple of rolled poles pushed them out of contention, with just three left to fight for the win.

The crowd applauded popular rider John Whitaker (GBR) and Crumley (Cassus x As di Villagana) entered the arena. Another young horse gaining experience at the highest level, Whitaker guided him around beautifully, looking strong until the pair clipped the plank, leaving Jérôme Guery to take centre stage.

Papillon Z showcased his effortless speed, with Guery making a phenomenal turn back after the Longines plank. Committed to the last, the formidable duo leapt from meters away from the final fence as the crowd gasped, flying across the finish with a kick and a buck to set the new fastest time at 34.81s.

Final rider Lauren Hough (USA) had everything to do with Adare (Royal Bravour x Burggraaf), but the pressure was too much and the pair picked up four faults to drop them out of the running. So it was Jérôme Guery and Papillon Z who flew to the final win of the weekend, with Lorenzo de Luca in second and Laura Kraut taking home third.

Source: Press release from LGCT // Picture Stefano Grasso/LGCT