This past weekend, the 2025/2026-season of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League continued on to its 11th stop – at Jumping International de Bordeaux in France.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd, it was Ireland’s Jessica Burke who stole the spotlight – claiming the victory in the CSI5*-W 1.60m Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ aboard Good Star du Bary (Rock’n Roll Semilly x Oberon du Moulin). The win was one for the history books: Burke became the first female rider ever to win a World Cup class in Bordeaux, while also celebrating her very first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ victory. With this breakthrough result, Burke jumped up to seventh place on the overall Western European League standings with her 46 points. France’s Julien Epaillard, winner of the previous leg in Amsterdam, continues to top the ranking with a total of 69 points.
In this photo special, we look back at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ in Bordeaux, as the anticipation builds for the next leg in Gothenburg, Sweden.
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.
Jessica Burke claimed a historic victory with Good Star du Bary (Rock’N Roll Semilly x Oberon du Moulin). “It’s my first World Cup and my first five-star win,” she said after producing the only double clear of the competition. “To have patience and wait for your day to come is very hard… I don’t think it has sunk in yet.”
It was only the sixth World Cup start for Jessica Burke and the just 10-year-old Good Star du Bary. “He is the best horse I’ve ever had. He has a massive heart, and he is just so special,” she said.
Daniel Deusser (GER) and Otello de Guldenboom (Tobago Z x Caretino) delivered a strong first round, followed by a fast jump-off...
... however, four faults pushed them down to the runner-up position.
Another one for the history books: Tom Schewe (GER) and Congress Blue PS (Congress x Chacco-Blue) delivered a super-strong round early in the class...
…earning him his first World Cup points of the season and his very first podium finish as third placed.
Focused faces during the course walk: designed by French course designer Yann Royant, the demanding course allowed just four horse-and-rider combinations to reach the jump-off.
Donatello D’Auge (Jarnac x Hello Pierville) and Julien Epaillard (FRA) – current Western European League leader and winner of the 2025 World Cup Final – returned to the ring after winning the previous leg in Amsterdam, but surprisingly had two poles down.
The second pair to enter the arena, Frédéric Vernaet (BEL) and Orak d’Hamwyck T&L (Tobago Z x Toulon), produced a beautiful, faultless jumping round. However, two time penalties reminded everyone just how tight the time allowed was in this demanding class.
Perfectly plaited and ready to perform – Frederic Vernaet´s Orak d’Hamwyck T&L
Just missing the jump-off, Vernaet still claimed a well-deserved 8th place with his solid round.
Fourth to go, Tom Schewe and Congress Blue PS delivered the first clear round inside the time allowed, securing Schewe a spot in his first World Cup jump-off.
Despite a pole down in the jump-off, Schewe secured an impressive third place. Here speeding through the finish line in the first round, making sure to be within the time allowed...
…much to the delight and excitement of everyone involved.
Jodie Hall McAteer (GBR) and La Guapardie (Van Gogh x Carrera VDL) went in as the fifth starters, delivering another beautiful clear round over the fences. However, they were among the many caught out by the strict time allowed, ultimately finishing in 6th place.
Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Conner Jei (Connor x Cosimo) finished the class with four faults and an 11th place, to come back strong in Sunday's Grand Prix where they took the top honours.
Max Kühner (AUT) and Count on Me 19 (Cascadello I x Cornado I) were clear over the fences but picked up one time fault, keeping them out of the jump-off. Their performance still secured them a solid 5th place in the class.
Game faces on – Oda Charlotte Lyngvær (NOR) and Carabella vd Neyen Z (Carrera VDL x Lux Z) about to enter the arena.
Jordy Van Massenhove (BEL) and Verdiamo Z (Verdi TN x Andiamo) had a single time fault, ultimately finishing in 7th place.
Just making it into the placings, Antonia Vita Pinardi (ITA) and her beautiful MTM Los Angeles (Los Angeles x Ragazzo) ended the class in 13th place.
Julien Anquetin and Beau de Laubry Z jumped to the 9th place, after being the fastest four-faulters.
Turned out to perfection – Michael Jung (GER)´s Fischerheros Z (Hotspot x Odermus R).
The 10th place went to Kevin Staut (FRA) and Visconti du Telman (Toulon x Dollar du Murier).
Daniel Deusser’s Otello de Guldenboom bucking through the finish line. Despite one pole down, the pair secured a well-earned 2nd place with the fastest time of the jump-off...
…to the great enjoyment of Otello de Guldenboom's groom, Marine Renaudet!
Light-footed: Yuri Mansur (BRA) and Vitiki (Valentino x For Expo 2000) delivered one of the four clear rounds in the class...
...and ended up placing 4th.
As last to go in the jump-off and with no clear rounds before her, Jessica Burke went in knowing a clear round would clinch the win.
Her composure paid off, bringing her first ever World Cup victory!
Hugs all around for Team Burke.
Two colleagues, ready for the prize-giving: Yuri Mansur and Max Kühner.
Success is a team effort: Frederic Vernaet with his team before the prize-giving.
The stars of the day: Jessica Burke and Good Star du Bary had every reason to celebrate at the prize-giving!
Kisses for Good Star du Bary.
This was a first in so many ways for Jessica Burke.
Jumping International de Bordeaux delivered a weekend to remember, one for the history books.
Then