The horses and riders competing in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2023/2024 Grand Prix of Stuttgart, presented by BW-Bank and WALTER solar, made sure to give the spectators in the fully-seated Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle excitement to the very end. A thrilling jump-off, with eight horse-and-rider combinations in it, kept the audience at the edge of their seats – and it was Kevin Staut and Beau de Laubry Z who clinched the victory after an incredible jump-off. Here the pair enters the packed arena in full focus.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme flew around Louis Konickx's 13-fence first-round track, making it all look deceptively easy. The reigning European Champions finished 5th, after a double clear performance.
When pure joy turns into slight disappointment... Adrian Schmid and Chicharito celebrated their clear round until they noticed the two time faults on the score board. They were not the only pair that was stopped by the time...
...as Pieter Clemens and Emmerton also ended up with one time penalty....
... as did Scott Brash and Hello Valentino, while...
... Mario Stevens and Starissa had to add two time penalties to their score.
Francois Xavier Boudant and Brazyl du Mezel impressed throughout the weekend at the Stuttgart German Masters and finished third in the World Cup. Boudant set the pace in the jump-off when clear in 42.08 seconds.
Hans-Dieter Dreher and Elysium cutting corners in the jump-off to end fourth, and best on behalf of the host nation.
Kendra Claricia Brinkop and In Time delivered a great double clear to take 6th place.
Kevin Staut and Beau de Laubry Z pulled off an impressive jump-off. Here jumping the big World Cup oxer on an angle, to be able to make a short turn to the last fence.
French Chef d'Equipe Henk Nooren was the first to congratulate Kevin Staut and Beau de Laubry Z after a jump-off well done.
Harry Charles and Casquo Blue gave it their best...
...but had to settle for the runner-up spot, only fractions away from taking Harry's third win of the weekend.
Robert Whitaker and Vermento had four faults in the jump-off, finishing 7th.
All smiles for Amanda Landeblad, who ended 8th in her World Cup debut with For Killy.
It was a good day for the French, who took both the first and the third place; here Kevin Staut and Francois Xavier Boudant.
What a weekend for Harry Charles! Two wins and one second place with three different horses.
Also Hans-Dieter Dreher collected ribbons throughout the weekend.
A full house at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle.
And Kevin Staut made sure to thank the fantastic crowd during his lap of honour!
Beau de Laubry Z seemed to enjoy being the middle of all the attention.
The happy winners.
Then