It was a very popular home win for French rider Félicie Bertrand, who took her first five-star Grand Prix victory in Bordeaux on Sunday afternoon. Riding the 13-year-old mare Sultane des Ibis (Quidam de Revel x Elan de la Cour), the 36-year-old rider was the best in the field of 33 horse-and-rider combinations in the 1.60m Land Rover Grand Prix. 

A first win at this level is always a great moment in a rider’s life. Seizing this win in your own country, in front of one of the best crowds of the circuit, gives this accomplishment another dimension. Félicie Bertrand answered her first major interview in tears: “I know Sultane des Ibis is naturally fast, I know I have to let her do her thing, that I don’t need to take risks," Bertrand said. "She’s an incredible mare, so sweet, so small, precious. We can’t even imagine she’s able to jump things like that. She has this incredible desire to give so much… She’s magical.” 

Bertram Allen (IRL) took the second place with GK Casper (Canto x Quantum), only 29 hundredth of a second behind Bertrand, while Simon Delestre (FRA) placed third on Chesall Zimequest (Casall x Concerto 4). Ludger Beerbaum ended fifth on Cool Feeling (Cornado NRW x Lancer II). 

To make the joy of the host country complete, Guillaume Foutrier (FRA) took fourth place on Valdocco Des Caps (Number One d'Iso x Quidam de Revel) and Nicolas Dezeuses sixth on Ulloa du Trefle (Sheraton (nl) Kwpn x Double Espoir).