The first five-star show of the year kicked off in Basel yesterday, and it was Marcus Ehning (GER) and Pret A Tout (Hiram Chambertin x Stew Boy) that won the main competition of the day – the 1,50m Prize of Bank J. Safra Sarasin AG class against the clock.

Ehning was more than two seconds ahead of runner-up Bryan Balsiger (SUI) with Clouzot de Lassus (Ugano Sitte x Tenor Manciais), best of the hosts, in 64,16 seconds. Then followed Michael Whitaker (GBR) with JB’s Hot Stuff (Locarno 62 x Cavalier Royale), who finished in 64,27 seconds.

Fourth place went to Martin Fuchs (SUI) with Cool and Easy (Contender x Riverman), while Janika Sprunger (SUI) took the fifth place with Aris Cms (BMC Nassau x Amethist) – putting three Swiss riders in the top five.

Earlier in the evening, Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) took home the win in the 1,45m class against the clock after a very fast round, riding the 9-year-old Carlotta (Chaccomo x Cento). Felix Hassmann (GER) crossed the finish line 1,5 seconds behind Gaudiano, and took the runner-up position with Cayenne WZ (Claudio x Ramirado). Third place went to Robert Smith (GBR) with Cimano E (Unaniem x Chemnitz) ahead of Bryan Balsiger (SUI) with Poppee de Damvil (Quidam de Revel x Rox de la Touche) and Philippe Rozier (FRA) with Reveur de Kergane (Hornet Rose x Elan de la Cour).