The Masters of Chantilly concluded on Sunday with the CSI5* 1.60m Rolex Grand Prix and with five French riders in the jump-off of thirteen, it was a real feast for the hosts. 

The course set by Gregory Bodo (FRA) counted 13 obstacles and 17 efforts, and especially the last line – a triple bar followed by a combination, leading to a final Liverpool oxer – caused slight headache. However, with some of the very best horses and riders present in the French equine capital as a preparation ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, a total of 13 pairs out of the 47 participants cleared the first round and joined the deciding jump-off. 

Early on, Nicolas Delmotte (FRA) on Urvoso du Roch (Nervoso x Grand d'Escla) set the standard in the jump-off, stopping the clocks on 42.30. The time could be beaten, but those who did so had to see poles fall. Only the top three managed a double clear: Martin Fuchs (SUI) on Leone Jei (Baltic VDL x Corland) took the runner-up position with a time of 42.66 and Marie Demonte (FRA) on Vega de La Roche (Diamant de Semilly x Baloubet du Rouet) the third spot on the podium. With one down in a time of 41.18 seconds, Delmotte's compatriot Penelope Leprevost on Vancouver de Lanlore (Toulon x Le Tot de Semilly) had to settle for the fourth place, while Bertram Allen (IRL) on Harley vd Bisschop (Dulf van den Bisschop x Coronado) took the fifth spot. 

"As we leave for Tokyo in a few days, I didn't want to take too much risk, but I still wanted to win,” Delmotte – who has been selected for the French Olympic team – commented afterwards. “I could have gone faster, some did, but they all had one down. My choice was the right one in the end and I am very proud of my horse." 

“My horse is in extraordinary shape,” Delmotte said about Urvoso du Roch – that he also won the CSIO5* Grand Prix of La Baule with earlier this summer. “After La Baule, he had a week of rest and after two small courses in Grimaud, he was at his best here in Chantilly. But despite these victories, you have to keep your feet firmly on the ground. I always say that on Monday when you get back to the stables you start again from scratch. You have to try to not put more pressure than necessary on yourself, but I do think a lot about the Games and I need to stay focused.”

"It was a great class for me," second placed Martin Fuchs told the press afterwards. "My horse Leone Jei jumped amazing in both rounds. It was a fast jump-off, I tried to beat Nicolas, but it was not meant to be. Maybe once or twice I did not take the very last risk, but still – I am very happy! My horse is only nine and already second in a Rolex Grand Prix, it is fantastic. Also, I think I can speak for all riders when I thank Christophe and Rolex for this event." 

Third placed Marie Demonte was also happy. "I think I will savour this moment tomorrow and then, as Nicolas says, on Thursday you go back on the course and it starts all over again," she said. "This third place is really the icing on the cake of a weekend that went perfectly."

The first CSI5* class of the day, the 1.45m Prix Masters de Chantilly, went to Giulia Martinengo Marquet (ITA) on Calle Deluxe (Cesano 2 x Con Air 7) with a time of 45.63 in the jump-off. Julien Gonin (FRA) on Caprice de Guinfard (Mylord Carthago*HN x Socrate de Chivre) placed second, while Edwin Smits (SUI) on Quinti Von Hof (Quicklij B Z x Hrh Colombardo) took the third place. Marie Demonte (FRA) on Las Vegas Vd Padenborre (Calvaro F.C. x Diamant de Semilly) placed fourth and Alexa Ferrer (FRA) on Gracieux du Pachis (Tinka's Boy x Caretino) fifth.