Text © World of Showjumping

Kevin Jochems (NED) and the 10-year-old mare Prada di Costa M (Vannan x Gitano) won Thursday’s CSIO5* 1.55m presented by Haras De Gassin at the Polo Club de Saint-Tropez - Haras de Gassin in France, where the fourth and last qualifier of the season in the Longines League of Nations™ takes place this weekend.

With a time of 65.50, the Dutch duo took the win ahead of Stephan de Freitas Barcha (BRA) and Dinozo Imperio Egipcio (Diamant de Semilly x Urbain du Monnai) in second in 65.83, while José María Larocca (ARG) and Finn Lente (Gaillard de La Pomme x Colandro) placed third in 67.94.

“My mare is incredible," Jochems said in a press release from Jumping Gassin International. "She is always very consistent, week after week. I am delighted to be here in Gassin. The facilities are outstanding. I am looking forward to the upcoming classes!”

Roger Yves Bost (FRA) and Delph de Denat HDC (Air Jordan x Tlaloc M) finished fourth in 67.94, followed by Simon Delestre (FRA) and Golden Boy DK (Diamant de Semilly x Cash) in fifth in 68.27.

The second five-star class of the day, the CSIO5* 1.45m presented by Derbez went to Victor Bettendorf (LUX) and Encore Toi du Linon (Kannan x Desir du Chateau), when the clock stopped on 25.34 in the second phase. Simon Delestre (FRA) and Dexter Fontenis Z (Diarado x Voltaire) took the runner-up spot in 26.49, while Marie Demonte (FRA) and Give me One Reason DK (By Cera d’Ick x Diamant de Semilly) completed the top three in 26.90.

“My mare is very fast and careful," Bettendorf said in a press release from Jumping Gassin International. "I know I don’t need to take too many risks to get a good placing, even though today I did leave out a stride before the final double, but it paid off. I love coming to Gassin. The setting is exceptional. It’s incredible to see how the venue has evolved in the last two years, and the organizers continue to improve it. Today, the conditions are extraordinary, both for us riders and for our horses, who are perfectly accommodated in permanent stabling. It’s a pleasure to support shows like this."