Victor Bettendorf and his 12-year-old SF-mare, Big Star des Forets (Untouchable M) stopped the clock in 35.90 seconds. A bit later, France's Simon Delestre crossed the finish in the exact same time aboard his 10-year-old KWPN-gelding, Iniesta V (Zambesi TN) making it an ex aequo win.

On stage, Germany's David Will followed in a third spot with the 10-year-old Zaccorado Blue (VDL Zirocco Blue). The pair was followed by Henrik von Eckermann and  Dzara Dorchival (Qlassic Bois Margot) placing fourth and Philipp Weishaupt aboard Krokant (Kannan) settling for fifth.

A smiling master of speed, Delestre commented on the rarity of the situation. "It really is something rare, and I think we both win so we can both be happy, especially with so many riders in the jump off where it is always half-half on whether to take the risk and finish with one down and not in the placings or take the risk and it works and it’s fantastic."

Having started the event with a disappointing retirement on day one, Bettendorf of Luxembourg commented on the short partnership with Big Star des Forets. "I am really happy as it is a mare that I have been riding for six months and now I think that she will be ready for bigger classes in the near future."

He went on to add: "She’s a really careful mare, I need to get her temperament right so she is working for me, but when the mindset is right, she is fighting for me and she can win lots of classes."

A passionate crowd filled every inch of space at the impeccable facility of Casas Novas, who were enthralled by the top sport throughout the afternoon. With a roar as he crossed the finish line, Delestre thanked those in attendance. "The crowd is amazing, so enthusiastic - at first I think we didn’t really know what happened until we could check, but the crowd was really pushing for the speed all around my jump off."

Results

Photo: Longines Global Champions Tour