This past Sunday, Jumping International de Bordeaux in France played host to another highlight of the indoor season as the CSI5*-W 1.60m Audi Grand Prix of Bordeaux concluded three days of five-star competition at the French venue.
Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs took the top honours in the Grand Prix, riding the 15-year-old gelding Conner Jei (Connor x Cosimo). From a starting field of 31 horse-and-rider combinations, seven managed to produce faultless first rounds over the demanding track set by Yann Royant (FRA) – earning a place in the jump-off. Victor Bettendorf (LUX) and the 12-year-old mare Encoire Toi du Linon (Kannan x Desir du Chateau) set the standard early on with a fast clear in 34.47 seconds. As the final combination to go, Fuchs and Conner Jei rose to the occasion, shaving 0.15 seconds off that time to secure the win. Michael Jung (GER) completed the podium in third aboard Fischerheros Z (Hotspot x Odermus) in 35.30.
In this photo special, we look back at the CSI5*-W Audi Grand Prix of Bordeaux, as another spectacular chapter was written at one of the indoor season’s most iconic events.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping. No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.
Martin Fuchs and the 15-year-old Conner Jei were the winners in Sunday’s Audi Grand Prix, delivering a lightning-fast jump-off round to secure the victory.
Martin Fuchs waiting for his turn to take on the jump-off course.
Fuchs took risk and stopped the clock at 34.32 seconds.
A happy Sean Vard celebrates on the side-line.
Sean Vard and Connor Jei.
Victor Bettendorf (LUX) and Encore Toi du Linon (Kannan x Desir du Chateau) were the pathfinders in the Grand Prix and here they take a closer look at the plank before they start on their round.
The two made the course look easy.
Happiness all around on Team Bettendorf.
Michael Jung (GER) and the only 9-year-old Fischerheros Z (Hotspot x Odermus) delivered once again and finished third in the Grand Prix after a double clear.
All smiles from Jung's groom Christina Franzeski!
The arena was packed for the Grand Prix.
Team Jung celebrating!
Cedric Hurel (FRA) and Fantasio Floreval Z (Florian de la Vie x Clinton) – who were the title defenders after topping the Audi Grand Prix in 2025 ...
... had their team on pins and needles...
... to then celebrate a fantastic double clear that was good enough for the 4th place.
Camille Conde Ferreira's (FRA) stunning Bassano de Nantuel (Baloubet du Rouet x Calypso d'Herbiers) waiting for his turn to show off.
With a double clear round, Camille Conde Ferreira and Bassano de Nantuel finished 5th.
Hugs for Bassano de Nantuel...
... as well as for the team.
Emotions were running high...
... when Camille Conde Ferreira and Bassano de Nantuel delivered two beautiful clear rounds.
Sören Möller Rohde (DEN) and Evolution Ask DWB (VDL Zirocco Blue x Cheenook) delivered...
...a 6th place with a double clear round.
Evolution Ask DWB getting ready for the prize-giving.
Marie Demonte (FRA) and Forban de Beliard (Upsilon x Diamant de Semilly) finished 7th.
Marie Demonte being congratulated by living legend Michel Robert.
Kevin Staut (FRA) and Feline de Hus HDC (Kannan x Levistan) were the fastest four-faulters in the first round and placed 8th. Feline de Hus HDC is a granddaughter of Silvana HDC, Staut's former super-star.
Gudrun Patteet (BEL) and Sea Coast Chica V.V. Z (Comme Il Faut x Chacco-Blue) jumped to a 9th place.
Four faults in the time of 71.30 seconds was good enough for a 10th place for Jodie Hall Mcateer (GBR) and Key West (Otangelo x Phin Phin).
The time allowed was not really an issue in the Grand Prix, still Marc Dilasser (FRA) and Make My Day Z du Gevres (Mylord Carthago HN x Ukato) cut the corners to be fast four-faulters placing them 11th.
Roger Yves Bost (FRA) and Ballerine du Vilpion (Baloubet du Rouet x Quidam de Revel) waiting for their turn. Four faults in the first round left them 12th.
Julien Gonin (FRA) and Eight Wonder XXX Z (Emerald x Tornedo FCS) checking out the beautiful fences before they left all except one of them up, to take the 13th place.
Sportsmanship! Victor Bettendorf was first to go and held on to the lead all the way to Martin Fuchs entered the ring as the last rider.
The top three in Grand Prix: Martin Fuchs and Conner Jei, Victor Bettendorf and Encore Toi du Linon as well as Michael Jung and Fischerheros Z.
Martin Fuchs and Conner Jei finished off the weekend at Jumping International de Bordeaux in the best possible way.
Michael Jung thanking the fantastic Bordeaux-audience during the lap of honour.
Then