Press release from Jumping Gassin International, edited by World of Showjumping

On Saturday, Julien Epaillard (FRA) and Donatello d’Auge (Jarnac x Hello Pierville) set the tone at the Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin (FRA) by claiming the feature CSIO5* 1.50m class presented by Ville De Saint-Tropez.

Seven pairs booked their place for the jump-off. Setting off second, the 2025 World Cup Final winners Epaillard and Donatello d’Auge stopped the clock in 35.18 seconds. Only Italy’s Giacomo Casadei came close with Raffinese (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Toulon), taking second place in 35.91, while Ireland’s David Simpson filled third with Ovidius vd Donkhoeve (VDL Zirocco Blue x Chin Chin) in 37.95.

“I took a lot of risks in the jump-off and it was necessary because the Italian riding last was not far off,” Epaillard said. “I’m pleased because I missed my Grand Prix. I rode the liverpool badly and my horse doesn’t deserve faults like that. Even when I feel him a little more tired, he always gives everything; he has an incredible heart. I hesitated to ride him today but I wanted to end on a good note. He has had a busy season and will now have a month’s holiday at home. The goal for the end of the season will be Geneva.”

“I want to congratulate the entire organising team here because all the conditions are in place for great sport,” he continued. “For both horses and riders, we are superbly welcomed. It’s fantastic to have two CSIO shows in France now; it helps us and the sport to progress. Tomorrow comes the Longines League of Nations with Fringan de Vesquerie, whom I don’t yet know very well, but the idea is to give him experience. I think he has great ability. It may be difficult, but he jumped very well in Gijon at the end of August, finishing fourth in the 4* Grand Prix at 1.60 m, and again yesterday, so we will see.”