With some of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations at start, last Sunday’s CSIO5* 1.60m €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule was always going to be a clash of titans. Storming through the timers, USA's Kent Farrington and Greya took their first international victory together ahead of their compatriots Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque in second and Belgium's Gregory Wathelet aboard Bond Jamesbond de Hay in third.
With these images, we take a look back at the action at the 2024-edition of Jumping International de La Baule.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson/WoSJ.
Always determined: Kent Farrington in full on focus mode during the course walk.
The first-round track set by France’s very own Gregory Bodo counted 14 obstacles and 17 efforts with the time allowed set to 76 seconds.
Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix was part of the Rolex Series, which unites six of the most prestigious shows in the world; Rome, La Baule, Dinard, Dublin, Brussels and Wellington.
As pair number nine out, Austria's Max Kühner and Elektric Blue P were the first to deliver a clear over Gregory Bodo's track.
Spain's Ismael Garcia Roque and Tirano jumped a solid round...
...only to record a single time penalty that kept them away from the jump-off.
Moments at the in-gate – with Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque.
Save of the day?...
...despite the little mishap prior to the open water in round one, Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque ended up jumping double clear to finish second...
...impressing again, just two weeks after winning the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix of Rome. Will it be enough for Olympic selection?
Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42 were kept away from the jump-off by a pole at fence ten and two time penalties.
Moments at the in-gate... With Team Fuchs and Leone Jei.
Martin Fuchs and the spectacular Leone Jei finished fifth after a fence down in the jump-off.
Ireland's Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz finished seventh, and are now nominated for the Irish team heading for Paris.
Mclain Ward and Ilex made light work of Gregory Bodo's track, only to see the final fence fall.
As number 37 in the starting field of 50, Wathelet and Bond Jamesbond de Hay delivered the sixth clear in the class that eventually saw eleven pairs join the jump-off.
"There is a lot at stake in the weeks to come for all of us and I took the safe option today," Wathelet said after finishing third.
This time around it was not to be for Germany's Philipp Weishaupt and Coby 8, who had to see a pole fall at fence seven.
Spain's Armando Trapote and Tornado VS also joined in on the jump-off, to finish 11th.
The faults were spread out on Gregory Bodo's course.
Ready to go: Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme.
Dynamix de Belheme and Steve Guerdat placed sixth in the end.
Attitude of gratitude...
...and a mandatory snack break for Dynamix.
Jérôme Guery's 19-year-old Quel Homme de Hus has made a remarkable recovery from an injury sustained in 2022.
Jumping clear in round one, the two placed 8th and are showing great form ahead of the Belgian selection for the Olympics.
Setting the standard: Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque stopped the clock on 34.21 in the jump-off.
But, had to see themselves beaten by these two: Kent Farrington and Greya.
Pius Schwizer and Scarlina de Tiji Z were the last pair out in the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule 2024, slotting into fourth.
Quel Homme de Hus with his crew.
All the love for Gregory Wathelet's Bond Jamesbond de Hay.
Kent Farrington and Greya leading the pack to the prize giving ceremony.
Caracole de La Roque and Tessa.
Greya and Denise.
Bond Jamesbond de Hay and Sylvain.
Karl Cook throwing a farewell kiss to the amazing La Baule crowds.
Merci La Baule, we love you! We cannot wait to be back for the 2025-edition!
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