Belgium's Gregory Wathelet, reigning European team champion, won Thursday's biggest class at CSI4* Hubside Jumping in Grimaud, France – a 1.45m counting for the world ranking. Aboard the 12-year-old stallion Indago (Concorde x Nimmerdor), Wathelet was more than two seconds faster than German master Marcus Ehning on Funky Fred (For Pleasure x Pilot). French rider Philippe Rozier ended third with Prestigio Ls La Silla (Presley Boy x Cash), followed by compatriots Marc Dilasser and Penelope Leprevost in fourth and fifth.
"With a speed course, you have to take risks from start to finish," Wathelet commented after his win. "As soon as I entered the ring, I felt that Indago was in good shape, he jumped well from the first fence – so I was confident. I had planned to take a stride out to number two and to the last: It saved me a bit of time. Indago is a horse who likes speed, and very competitive at this height."