Press release from Chantilly Classic, edited by World of Showjumping

Marc Dilasser (FRA) and the 15-year-old Arioto du Gevres (Diamant de Semilly x Qualisco III) won Thursday’s CSI4* 1.50m Prix Demeures de Campagne at the 2025-edition of Chantilly Classic in France.

Over a demanding course designed by Olympic course designer Grégory Bodo – thirteen obstacles, fifteen efforts, a long track stretching across the vast grass arena in front of the Grandes Écuries – only nine of the 82 starters produced a clear round.

Second to go, French rider Frédéric Bouvard, based in Belgium, set the early standard with Kinoa d’Ayrifagne (Douglas x Diamant de Semilly) and held on to the lead until the 23rd pair out – Marc Dilasser and Arioto. The Normandy-based rider delivered a fluent and fast round, finishing a full 2.45 seconds ahead of his compatriot.

“Yes, it feels great,” Dilasser smiled after his round. “Arioto is a seasoned horse. On day one, some horses get a little lost in such an arena. They’re more used to sand arenas, flat, irrigated, consistent. Here, the ground is rolling, the surroundings are grand with these imposing stables in the background. It can be quite something for the horses. Arioto is naturally quick, especially in this kind of speed class that he really enjoys. He has so much scope that I can take tighter turns. Before the double, I was able to turn one stride earlier; same on oxer number 7, which caused many faults, I stayed inside while still giving him enough room. That’s where you save time. I’m thrilled with how well he’s going, he carries his fifteen years remarkably well!”

Chantilly is among the few shows to offer a large grass arena in France, alongside places like Dinard or La Baule. “That’s true,” Dilasser acknowledged. “In France, we’re lucky to have competitions in stunning settings like this one. At the same time, we also need venues that can accommodate large numbers of entries on reliable, uniform surfaces. Both types of shows are essential. The footing here is exceptional, and with the ideal weather we’re having this weekend, the sport is spectacular. These authentic shows, with real charm, are rare, and I do miss them.”

Frédéric Bouvard held on to his second place, while American champion Laura Kraut, just back from Aachen where she finished runner-up in the iconic Rolex Grand Prix, completed the podium with Très Bien Z (Toulon x Nabab de Reve). "Aachen went really well, but I also love coming to Chantilly," Kraut said. "The atmosphere is different, but the enjoyment is the same.” It’s worth noting that Kraut has won the Grand Prix twice on this very arena.