The CSIO5* event in Gijon kicked off on Wednesday, and it was Abdullah Al Sharbatly that went off with the biggest win as he went to the top in the 1.50m presented by Funeraria Gijonesa.
The Logines Ranking class was a group competition, and the rider with the fastest clear in each group as well as seven lucky losers moved on to the winning round. Here, Al Sharbatly was the fastest as he and the now 16-year-old Talan (Concorde x Burggraaf) raced around to stop the clock on 45.16 seconds.
Irish rider Billy Twomey followed close behind with a time of 45.42 seconds, riding Thomas (Quidam de Revel x Naturel) while Portugal's Luis Sabino Goncalves ended third on Teck de Riverland (Quick Star x Cincaba Rouge).
The opening 1.40m competition presented by Coca-Cola was won by Mexico's Antonio Chedraui Eguia on Corcega la Silla (Casall x Candillo).
Text © World of Showjumping // Picture © CSIO Gijon