It was Spain’s Álvaro González De Zarate Fernandez who set the unbeatable standard, mastering the course in a blisteringly fast 69.35 seconds. Guiding the 11-year-old Oldenburg mare Casa Diva PS (Casallco, breeder: Frans Vrenken) González De Zarate Fernandez posted a flawless clear round that left the rest of the international field chasing shadows.

Germany’s Hannes Ahlmann provided the closest challenge, steering the impressive nine-year-old KWPN stallion Madness (Kannan) around the course without dropping a rail. The powerful stallion crossed the timers in 70.64 seconds to secure a strong second place. Rounding out the podium was Sweden’s Carl-Walter Fox, who delivered an expert, smooth performance aboard his Eka First Navy Jack (Contendro I). The Swedish pair stopped the clock in 71.64 seconds to earn third position.

Germany’s David Will claimed fourth place after stopping the clock in 71.89 seconds with Maverick, a ten-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Mosito vh Hellehof). The top five concluded with a rare tie for fifth position: Sweden’s Thomas Ryan aboard Jezebeau BC (Thunder vd Zuuthoeve) and Ireland’s Jessica Burke riding the 11-year-old Fly for You (Quaprice Bois Margot) both cantered across the finish line in an identical 72.69 seconds to complete an exceptional day of high-caliber sport in Vejer de la Frontera.