For the first time, a French rider managed to win the Grand Prix at the Saut Hermès in Paris and it was Simon Delestre with Hermès Ryan (Hugo Gesmeray x Ryon d Anzex) that made it into the history books.

“Hermès Ryan was flying today, and I don’t have words to describe this genius horse! It was exceptional. He always gives 300% of himself every time and today he was fantastic once again,” Delestre said after winning the class that has been a big goal for him this year with Hermès Ryan.

Fourteen riders made it into the jump-off in the 1,60m Grand Prix worth 400,000 Euro and it turned out to be a race against the clock with some of the fastest riders in the world. Delestre stopped the clock at 34,54 seconds, slightly faster than last weekend’s Rolex Grand Prix winners in Den Bosch – Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and Gancia de Muze (Malito de Reve x Nimmerdor) – that crossed the finish line in 34,97 seconds.

Marcus Ehning (GER) with Cornado NRW (Cornet Obolensky x Acobat) are also on a good run of form, taking the third place after being second in Den Bosch last weekend. The pair clocked a time of 35,72 seconds. Peder Fredricson (SWE) with Hansson WL (Hip Hop x Iowa) ended fourth, while Olivier Robert (FRA) with Tempo de Paban (Jarnac x Quatar de Plape) took the fifth place.