Press release from FEI, edited by World of Showjumping

Two years after taking the crown in the CSI5*-W 1.60m Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ of Amsterdam, Julien Epaillard (FRA) and his homebred 13-year-old gelding, Donatello d’Auge (Jarnac x Hello Pierville) repeated that feat once again in front of an elated sell-out crowd. The knowledgeable Dutch spectators were treated to a typical masterclass in speed by the reigning Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Champions and showed their appreciation for the French maestros by way of a standing ovation as the much-admired partnership entered the arena for the prize-giving.

Epaillard’s plan for the jump-off of twelve was to “start fast and after go quicker” – an operation which he executed with typical accuracy. Typically cool and collected, Epaillard walked around the arena before tipping his hat, setting his old friend into a formidable pace and galloping to fence one from the opposite end of the arena. A little rub at the first fence, a 1.55m vertical set close to the end of the arena and jumping into the stands, saw any moment of doubt out of the way for the rest of the round. Forward flowing distances followed, as Epaillard continued to take risks. A brilliant shot to the penultimate vertical and gallant gallop to the last saw them break the beam some 8.34 seconds faster than the leading time to take an unassailable lead at the midway stage.

The consistent combination of Alain Jufer (SUI) and his long-term partner, the 15-year-old Dante MM (Diarado x Luxius), already second in two Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifiers in the Western European League this season, were on the periphery of another sensational result. A daring flyer to the last saw them catapult up the leaderboard with a time of 41.58 seconds which secured them second place and 17 points.

Niels Bruynseels (BEL) finished in third place with Delux van T & L (Toulon x Landetto), whilst Patrik Stühlmeyer (GER) dropped one place to finish in fourth with Baloutaire PS (Balou du Rouet x Chacco-Blue). Penelope Leprevost’s flawless performance on Ehning Flamingo (Cardento x Diamant de Semilly) was rewarded with fifth place and Gilles Thomas (BEL) secured sixth with the fastest four-fault round of the jump-off aboard his Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ of Mechelen winning partner, Qalista DN (Emerald x Landetto).

“It’s always nice to come here," Epaillard said. "Everything is nice for the athletes; the horses and the atmosphere is super. I always try to come here with my horses in good form and try to give my best ride here.”

Today’s win fires Epaillard to the top of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League 2025/2026 standings with just three legs remaining. After ten legs of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League 2025/2026 series, Epaillard sits at the top of the standings on 66 points with Willem Greve (NED) in second on 61. Richard Vogel (GER) lies in third on 56 points just ahead of Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen (NOR) in fourth on 53. Max Kühner (AUT) occupies fifth position on 52 points and Alain Jufer’s sensational consistency is rewarded with his 43 points rocketing him up to sixth place and guaranteeing him a place at his first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final. 

Bordeaux (FRA) is the next stop on the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League as the French city welcomes the series for leg 11. Gothenburg (SWE) will stage leg 12 before Helsinki (FIN) stages the 13th and final qualifier of the 2025/2026 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League.