Behind the scenes of the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule

A breath-taking jump-off from Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts and Katanga vh Dingeshof secured them the victory in the prestigious €500,000 CSIO5* 1.60m Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule on Sunday afternoon. “Katanga really deserved this victory, she has been so close so many times before,” Nicola Philippaerts said. “I always struggle a bit in the jump-offs because sometimes she can turn a bit difficult to the left, but today she felt great – this victory was really for her!”

WoSJ went behind the scenes of the second round of the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, to experience all the emotions of the grooms, riders, friends and families!

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.

Gregory Cottard and Bibici had the difficult task of being first to go in the jump-off.

But returned with a clear round to eventually finish 6th.

The spectators were not only interested in what was going on in the stadium, but also in the warm-up.

Nicolas Delmotte and Ilex VP were double clear in the Grand Prix but with the slowest time, they had to settle for 8th place.

It was a very happy Marcus Westergren who as fifth to go went into the lead with Fellaini de Liebri Z.

Rodrigo Pessoa and his powerful Major Tom gave it a good shot, but slotted into preliminary second behind Westergren to eventually finish 5th.

Henrik von Eckermann getting ready to go...

...going into the lead with Iliana after a lightning-fast round!

After winning the 2022-edition of the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, Beth Underhill had to settle for 7th place this time around – riding Nikka vd Bisschop.

It's not over until it's over... When everyone thought Henrik von Eckermann had the victory in his pocket, Nicola Philippaerts and Katanga vh Dingeshof delivered an unbelievable jump-off to shave off 0.41 seconds – taking the lead.

A big hug for Katanga after an incredible performance! “When I watched Henrik’s round, I just thought I would have to go as quick as I could. She’s a fast horse by nature, our turns turned out well and she gave me everything," Nicola said after.

A nervous wait while watching Jens Fredricson as last to go in the ring...

And while Fredricson really gave Philippaerts a run for the money, he could not quite match the time, going into second 0.32 behind.

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Nicola hugs his super-groom Tiffany, who does an amazing job for the Belgian rider.

Jos Lansink congratulates Nicola Philippaerts.

All eyes on Katanga!

And while Jens Fredricson finished second he was still smiling from ear to ear after a fantastic jump-off. “I was thinking no gas, no glory,” Fredricson laughed about his round as last to go.