Press release from Falsterbo Horse Show, edited by World of Showjumping

Just like in 2023, Abdel Saïd (BEL) and Steve Guerdat (SUI) went head-to-head in a thrilling jump-off in the Falsterbo Derby – on the exact same horses and on the exact same course. But this year, the result was reversed. With a lightning-fast and clear round, Saïd and Arpege du Ru (Apache d’Adriers x Quat’Sous) not only secured the win – they also improved their 2023 time by over six seconds. Sandra Auffarth (GER) defended her third place from last year, this time on a new horse, C’Est A La Vie (Crunch 3 x San Patrignano Cassini).

Saturday afternoon offered one of the highlights of Falsterbo Horse Show, the iconic Falsterbo Derby. 19 combinations took on the demanding 1.50m course with 19 fences and 22 jumps, including water ditches, gates, stone walls, and even jumps out of the main arena – a true test for both horse and rider.

Abdel Saïd and Arpege du Ru entered the ring as the tenth combination of the day and delivered the first clear round of the class, putting pressure on the rest of the field. For a while, it looked like the victory was his, until 2023’s winning duo, Steve Guerdat and Easy Star de Talma (Quick Star x Opium de Talma), entered the arena and matched the performance with another faultless ride. With those two remaining the only clear rounds, the stage was once again set for a jump-off between the same two riders, on the same horses, just as in 2023. Close behind, Germany’s Sandra Auffarth secured third place with C’Est A La Vie as the fastest of the four-faulters.

Saïd was first to go in the jump-off and set the tone with a fast and clear round, putting serious pressure on the reigning champion. Guerdat, widely considered a derby-specialist, appeared unfazed and guided Easy Star de Talma around the course with precision and experience – also clear. But it wasn’t enough to break Saïd’s winning streak. With this victory, Abdel added another title to his growing list, only hours after winning the morning’s Rolex Grand Prix Qualifier.

As tradition dictates, the jump-off, just as the historic Derby course, was identical to the one where these two stars last battled for the podium in 2023. While a few fences may change position slightly, the riders clearly came well prepared this year: Saïd and Arpege du RU improved their time by more than six seconds. When asked how they managed that, he laughed and answered: “Lack of control!” and continued: “Honestly, she’s just naturally a really fast horse. Two years ago, I think I was too timid. I learned a lot from riders like Steve – in those situations, when you’re first to go, just trying for a clean round isn’t enough. You have to really go for it.”

“She always gives everything,” Saïd praised his horse. “She tried so hard – especially at the wall. I came in on a long distance, but she just rocked it. That’s why we do this – because of horses like her. You need a horse that’s both brave and smart. These fences and situations – banks, gates, jumping out of the arena, you don’t see that in regular classes.”

“I would really like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers that are here from morning til night, whatever the weather is, to make this happen for us,” Saïs added. “And to make it possible for these beautiful crowds to come and enjoy the show. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the organisers for all the efforts they do, and to make this all happen. But again, above all, the volunteers and crowds, I’d really like to thank them for all the support and dedication.”

“As always, it was a great Saturday at Falsterbo,” the second placed Guerdat said. “My horse did really well – people often assume he’ll go clear, but it’s never that easy. Still, it’s such a joy riding a class like this. We were lucky with the sport despite the bad weather. The Nations Cup yesterday was great, and today’s derby – with a jump-off – made it even better for the crowd. The organizers did a fantastic job, and I’m especially impressed by the audience. Even in the rain yesterday, every seat was filled, and people stayed for the prize-giving. Sweden deserved the win yesterday, and I’m just happy I could be part of another great afternoon of sport.”

Just like in 2023, Sandra Auffarth claimed third place, this time riding C’Est A La Vie, competing in his first-ever derby: “This was my horse’s first derby, so I was curious how he’d handle it. I trained a little, but not too much. He was fantastic – I love riding Derby, it’s absolutely my favorite thing. And I think my horse enjoys it too.”

When asked how her background in eventing – including two World Championship gold medals – helps in a Derby like this, she answered: “You face unknown situations, and both horses and riders must react quickly – that’s very similar to cross-country. The course is longer, but unlike eventing, here you have more time to prepare for each jump. For me, the mix of both is what makes it so special.”