Following a thrilling climax, the victory went to Italy's Piergiorgio Bucci aboard the 13-year-old gelding Hantano (by Quasimodo Z x Waranka by Numero Uno). As one of the few double-clears, he crossed the finish line in 40.61 seconds, a fantastic success for breeder N.G.M. Saantvort.

Top Swiss rider Martin Fuchs had to settle for a close second place. He also guided the Holsteiner gelding Conner Jei (by Connor 48 x Verona S by Cosimo; bred by Gerhard Stamer) to a clear round, but was just slightly slower at 41.03 seconds.

The podium was completed by French speed specialist Julien Epaillard. Riding the approved stallion Fringan de Vesquerie (by Mylord Carthago HN x Ulane de Vesquerie by Diamant de Semilly), he clocked the absolute fastest time of 38.78 seconds, but paid the price with a jumping fault. Despite this, French breeder G.A.E.C. de la Vesquerie can be proud of this podium finish.

The pair was followed by Cian O'Connor and Chatolinue PS (Chacco Lover), while BErtram Allen and Qonquest de Rigo (Fantomas de Muze) completed the top five!

“When I saw Martin's round on the big screen, I thought his time would be very difficult to beat,” the Italian admitted. “But I never enter a jump-off with the mindset that I'm going to lose. I wanted to win, and I believed I could, especially because the course suited me well, with two very sharp turns to the left. I am incredibly happy with this victory for my horse. He gives me so much. He deserved a win in a class of this caliber, one of the biggest competitions in the world. And then there is this exceptional crowd, which always gives us extra motivation. The spectators here understand the sport and encourage every rider, even the foreign ones. It’s magical.”

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