Text © World of Showjumping

World no. one Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and the 10-year-old mare Iliana (Cardento 993 x Gentleman) took Friday's biggest win at the 2023-edition of Jumping International Dinard when topping the CSI5* 1.55m Prix Mars & Co. 

"Even if it was a really, really, fast jump-off, Iliana felt very good," von Eckermann told World of Showjumping after their victory. "It felt easy. I have a feeling that Iliana keeps developing for every show that she does, and this is normally my last show before – hopefully – the European Championship in Milan, so we are on the right way. However, let's wait and see for Sunday's Grand Prix – I am looking forward to that!" 

Fourteen pairs cleared their way into the deciding jump-off, where von Eckermann and Iliana were the fastest when clocking a time of 36.87 seconds. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and his faithful partner Nevados S (Calvados Z x Romualdo) had to settle for the runner-up position, when crossing the finish line in 36.97, followed by his compatriot Jerome Guery (BEL) and Floris TN (Quality Time x Vancouver) in third in 37.51. France's very own Julien Epaillard – current world number two – and Dubai du Cedre (Baloubet du Rouet x Diamant de Semilly) finished fourth in 37.69, while Jens Fredricson (SWE) and Diarado's Rose Elith (Diarado x Cardento) followed in fifth in 38.56. 

In the CSI5* 1.45m Prix Cordon Group, Edward Levy (FRA) and Vitot du Chateau (Toulon x Kannan) took a home win ahead of Julien Gonin (FRA) and Valou du Lys (Calvaro F.C. x Galoubet A) in second, followed by Gilles Thomas (BEL) in third aboard Feromas van Beek Z (Fantomas de Muze x Tangelo vd Zuuthoeve).