French couple Patrice Delaveau and Orient Express HDC (Quick Star x Le Tot De Semilly) were outstanding in Sunday's CSI3* 1.50 Grand Prix in Cagnes-Sur-Mer.

The 14-year-old stallion, that has returned to competition at the French tour after a break that has lasted since August 2015, was with Delaveau in the saddle almost three seconds faster in the jump-off than German runners-up Gerrit Nieberg with Contagio (Colman x Lordanos).

Another French rider followed in third; Timothee Anciaume on Kiamon (Kolibri x Ramiro's Match) was the third to clear the jump-off and after him followed the four-faulters. Two riders were actually faster than Delaveau, but with four penalties they had to settle in behind: French rider Maelle Martin with Giovani de la Pomme (Shindler de Muze x Darco) ended fourth and Irish rider Neal Fearon with Cavalino (Converter x Fridolin Oho) fifth.

Text © World of Showjumping // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson