The 2024-edition of Saut Hermès kicked off on Friday at the Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris. A total of 57 riders from 19 nations with 109 horses will be competing in the five-star classes at the 14th edition of this beautiful event, which normally takes place at the stunning Grand Palais. However, due to renovations of the Grand Palais, Saut Hermès has been relocated to Grand Palais Éphémère in front of the Eiffel Tower for a third year.
The CSI5* 1.45m Prix du Grand Palais to Edward Levy and Confidence d'Ass
It was an all-French podium in the first CSI5* class of the day, the 1.45m Prix du Grand Palais – with the win going to the host nation’s own Edward Levy and Confidence d'Ass (Diamant de Semilly x Berlin). The French rider topped a starting field of 49 horse-and-rider-combinations after clocking a time of 22.40 in the second phase, followed by two of his compatriots: Julien Anquestin and Farah Tame (Quadrio Tame x Panama Tame) in second in 22.86, and Kevin Staut aboard Cloe GP Z (Corrdino x Takashi van Berkenbroek) in third in 23.86.
Philipp Schulze Topphoff (GER) and Oilily (Galisco van Paemel x Hamlet) finished fourth in 23.87, while Wilm Vermeir (BEL) and Eytuka of Two Notes Z (Emerald x Chin Chin) took the fifth spot in 23.88.
Kristaps Neretnieks and Quintes win the CSI5* 1.50m Prix Hermès Sellier
The second CSI5* class of the day, the 1.50m Prix Hermès Sellier went to Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) and Quintes (Quinton x Consul). Stopping the clock on 60.85, they took the win ahead of Pieter Devos (BEL) and Jade v.Bisschop (Ogano Sitte x Grannus) in second in 62.39, followed by Petronella Andersson (SWE) aboard Cassina Z (Casado v.t Gelutt Z x Lux) in third in 62.52 – topping a starting field of 56 horse-and- rider-combinations.
France's own Olivier Perreau and Bresil de Carnaval Santa Rosa (Mylord Carthago x Rosire) took the fourth place in 62.67, while Max Kühner (FRA) and EIC Up Too Jacco Blue (Chacco-Blue x ARD VDL Douglas) finished fifth in 62.85.