Edited press release from Longines Equita Lyon

The atmosphere in Lyon was electric. And in the end, Scott Brash came out on top. As last to go in a dramatic jump-off, that counted 19 horse-and-rider combinations, Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Vincent (Consul dl Vie Z x Fergar Mail) won Friday night’s CSI5*-W 1.60m Longines Grand Prix in Lyon, France. 

Coming in as the last rider in the ring, Brash delivered another clear round in 34.32 seconds – shaving off 0.44 seconds on the time to beat set by his compatriot Holly Smith (GBR) who finished in runner-up position with Denver (Albführen's Memphis x Chico's Boy).

"It was a difficult jump-off, with a lot of riders. Fortunately, I was able to watch a few couples and, above all, I was lucky enough to be the last rider out,” Brash said. “To be honest, I was surprised to see so many clear rounds because I thought the course was pretty tricky when I assessed it. But here in Lyon, the level is always top notch. And the riders come with their best horses. I am delighted to have won and to be able to ride in front of a full house once again. We haven't experienced such an atmosphere for a long time." 

In total, seven horse-and-rider combinations produced a double clear round. Petronella Andersson (SWE) took third place with Castres van de Begijnakker (Coriano Z x Palestro van de Begijnakker) in 35.91 seconds, while Kevin Jochems (NED) finished fourth with Emmerton (Silvio I x Sam R) in 36.29 seconds and José María Larocca (BRA) fifth with Finn Lente (Gaillard de la Pomme x Colandro) in 36.36 seconds. 

Earlier in the day, Holly Smith finished on top in the CSI5*-W 1.50m Prix Groupama. Riding Fruselli (Zambesi x Karandasj), Smith was lightning fast in the second phase of the competition to stop the clock at 31.26 seconds. Julien Epaillard (FRA) followed in second place with Solero MS (Silvio I x Espri), in a time of 31.43 seconds, while third place went to Bryan Balsiger (SUI) on AK's Courage (Chepetto C x Lennon 5) who crossed the finish line in 32 seconds.