Text © World of Showjumping

Ireland's Tom Wachman and the 9-year-old mare Hawaii (Comme Il Faut 5 x Arpeggio) kicked off the 2025-edition of CSIO5* Jumping International de La Baule with a win in Thursday's 1.45m Prix Boss Equestrian. Coming in half-way into the class, 20-year-old Wachman set a new time to beat of 29.57 seconds in phase two of the competition after a lightning-fast round. 

Two riders later, Stephan De Freitas Barcha (BRA) gave Wachman's time a challenge aboard Dirka Imperio Egipcio (Very Berlin de Castel x Lauterbach) but had to settle for second when crossing the timers in 30.03 seconds at the François André Stadium. The third place went to Daniel Deusser (GER) and Bingo Ste Hermelle (Number One d'Iso x Diamant de Semilly), who stopped the clock at 30.09 seconds, while Robin Muhr (ISR) finished fourth riding Foud'Joie de Stel (Canturo x Quite Easy), followed by Millie Allen (GBR) and Quick Diamant HR (Diamant de Semilly x Quidam de Revel) in fifth.

"I'm delighted to win, it's a lovely show here in La Baule," Wachman said to World of Showjumping. "It gives good confidence going into the Nations Cup tomorrow."

"Hawaii is super, she is very quick. She is only 9 years old so I'm still getting to know her but I'm very happy with her!" Wachman added.