Text © World of Showjumping

This week, it is time for the 2026-edition of CSI5* Le Printemps des Sports Équestres in Fontainebleau, France, where the five-star competition has returned to the renovated grass arena. 

The first five-star competition in the Grand Parquet's main arena was the 1.45m Prix de la Communauté d’Agglomération du Pays de Fontainebleau on Thursday. Grégory Bodo (FRA) had created a course of 12 obstacles and 14 jumping efforts, with the time allowed set to 74 seconds.

Luxembourg's Victor Bettendorf on Horacio du Gué (Sam du Challois x Cardero) bested a field of 72 participants, clocking the winning time of 64.65 seconds. Alexa Ferrer (FRA) on Hastoria Bo Regard (Ultrachic du Temple x Urlevent du Bary) took the runner-up spot in 65.65, while Kevin Staut (FRA) secured third place with Feline de Hus HDC (Kannan x Levistan) in 67.78 seconds.

“I’m happy because I really tried to win with Horacio,” Bettendorf said in a press release from Le Printemps des Sports Équestres Fontainebleau. “He’s only nine and this is his first five-star competition. He’s still learning the ropes. I’m just competing in these smaller classes with him, since I’m not trying to qualify him for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Today, I really had confirmation of everything I’d already felt with him at other competitions: he’s a horse with a good temperament, generous, very kind, and eager to please. Today, on grass, I felt he jumped even better. It’s a pleasure to be back on the main arena at Fontainebleau.”