The 2024-edition of CSI5* Jumping International Dinard – part of the new Rolex Series – kicked off with a home win for France's Julien Gonin and the 15-year-old Valou du Lys (Calvaro F.C. x Galoubet A) in Thursday's CSI5* 1.45m Prix du Conseil Départemental d'Ille et Vilaine.

With a time of 39.16 in the second phase, Gonin and Valou du Lys bested a field of 73 horse-and-rider combinations – taking the win ahead of USA's McLain Ward and First Lady (Don Diarado x Lordanos) in second in 39.33. France's Roger Yves Bost and Ballerine du Vilpion (Baloubet du Rouet x Quidam de Revel) placed third after clocking a time of 39.55 seconds.

"I'm obviously delighted with this win, which kicks off the competition really well," said the winner in a press release from Jumping International Dinard. "I was in Sweden last weekend, at the CSIO in Falsterbo, where the conditions weren't easy with heavy ground. So I set out with the idea of doing an easy course and in the end the mare had a blast and was there for me. She's got a lot of experience now, so it's not complicated for her. She's a tall mare and on a large arena like Dinard, it's ideal and enjoyable. The conditions are really great, it's a real treat." 

Sweden's Henrik von Eckermann and Glamour Girl (VDL Zirocco Blue x Caletto I) finished fourth with a time of 39.60 seconds, tied with Belgium's Pieter Devos and Jarina J (Cicero Z x Harley).