Press release from Jumping Verona

Reigning European Champion, world no. 2 and current leader of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Western European League, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, scorched to victory in Saturday night’s Selleria Equipe 1.55m jump-off with his new horse, Tam Tam du Valon, at Jumping Verona 2019.

First to go against the clock he raced home in 37.95 seconds and, try as they would, the remaining eight riders who made the cut into the jump-off simply couldn’t match that.

Germany's Daniel Deusser and Jasmien vd Bisschop got closest to the winning time when stopping the clock on 38.19 and third place went to Great Britain’s Scott Brash and Hello Shelby who broke the beam in 38.78 seconds.

Fuchs only took over the ride on Tam Tam following the horse’s impressive performances for Spanish team member, Ivan Serrano Saez, at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain last month.

“He’s an exciting horse, I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do together!” Fuchs said earlier this week. Tonight’s result suggests they can take on the best in the world as they left a host of superstars in their wake.

Earlier in the day, “La Marseillaise” rang out across the arena at Jumping Verona when Frenchman Simon Delestre flew home with Qopilot to win the Franco Tucci speed class. Once again it was an early starter that stole the spoils, the 38-year-old rider sealing it with a galloping run that stopped the timers in 59.63 seconds when fourth to go of the big field of 52.

It was a particular delight to post this win with a horse he has had since he was four. “He’s still only nine years old but he is coming up to the higher levels and he is ready for it now!” Delestre said.

“We know each other very well and that is always good, he has been in great form this year and he was very impressive on the Morocco Tour at Al Jadida last month where he finished sixth in the Grand Prix. He’s a very nice horse and he is naturally fast - in our sport today, horses must be able to jump at speed because that’s how it is in competitions!”

Italy’s Guido Franchi broke the beam with Egbert in 60.92 seconds to claim runner-up spot while Germany’s Daniel Deusser finished third with Kiana van het Herdershof in 61.15. But Delestre had to hold his breath when the last man into the ring, Great Britain’s Robert Whitaker, very nearly turned the competition on its head with a spectacular challenge with Dekato that saw them posting the quickest time of all, clocking 59.04 seconds. However the final oxer hit the floor to leave them out of contention, so Delestre was off the hook and back on the winner’s podium.