Text © World of Showjumping

Friday’s highlight at the CSIO4* Longines EEF Series Final in Avenches, Switzerland, was the 1.55m Longines Grand Prix, presented by Grand Hôtel Les Trois Rois. 

From the 50 horse-and-rider combinations at start, seven managed to clear the first-round track designed by Gérard Lachat (SUI) and join the jump-off. With Sarah Brionne (FRA) withdrawing Grand Duc du Paradiso (Vagabond de La Pomme x Toulon) from the jump-off, the battle was left between six pairs.

Only the top three delivered a double clear, with Germany’s Michael Viehweg and Contario (Contendro I x Caridor Z) clocking the winning time of 40.62 seconds. The host nation’s Thibaut Keller and Happy Girl T (Sandro Boy x. Coltaire Z) took the runner-up spot in 41.06, followed by Pia Reich (GER) and PB Loewenherz (Levisto x Contender) in third in 41.30.

With the fastest time of the jump-off, 39.73, Gilles Thomas (BEL) and Chuck Marienshof Z (Colestus x Emerald) had to settle for fourth place in the end, while Emanuele Camilli (ITA) and Chacareno PS (Chacco-Blue x Calvaro F.C.) – also carrying four penalties – finished fifth in 41.61.