A field of 64 riders from 10 nations took the start in this ultimate showdown, featuring some of the best horses of their generation presented by the world's elite riders. It was a decisive class held over a 1.45m course in a "Winning Round" format, with the top 13 pairs from the first round qualifying for a second round where everything is decided over a shortened course.

For this finale, course designer Jean-François Gourdin devised a demanding track, designed to reveal the horses capable of stepping up at this stage of their training. Precision, consistency, and effort management were essential to stand a chance.

With 24 clear rounds after the first phase, a "zero score" was not enough to guarantee a top spot; speed was also required. The last qualifier posted a time of 70.77 seconds, well within the time allowed of 76 seconds.

A High-Tension Winning Round

In the Winning Round, scores were reset to zero, and riders started in reverse order of their first-round ranking. The shortened course of eight obstacles offered tight turns and numerous options for the most daring pairs. It was the perfect stage to make a difference. Every rider understood the assignment: none of them entered the ring just to make up the numbers. From the very first starters, the tone was set: tight lines, sharp turns, and calculated risks.

Of the 13 starters in this second act, only five pairs managed to find the key to a double clear. Clément Frèrejacques was the first to achieve the feat, setting a reference time of 47.61 seconds with Ice Tea de l'Eden. This was quickly beaten by Thomas Lambert and Ipswich du Marquet, who were more incisive, crossing the line in 44.24 seconds.

However, the leaderboard shifted significantly when Olivier Perreau entered the arena. The GL events partner rider, who is enjoying a successful weekend, tightened the curves, optimized every option, and laid down a challenge: 41.54 seconds with Celeana des Joanins Z.

Immediately after, World Champion Henrik von Eckermann responded. Also jumping clear with Catniss Four C, he delivered a highly precise round but fell just short of the target time, finishing in 41.84 seconds.

The climax ultimately came from the Swede’s wife, Janika Sprunger. With her sights fixed on her lines, the Swiss rider—renowned for her precision—leveraged the speed of her aptly named mare, Victory Music Z. As she crossed the finish line, the clock stopped at 40.20 seconds. This time, no one would catch her.

Behind her, some attempts flirted with victory. Germany's Kendra Claricia Brinkop (with Sniper des Lilas Blancs) and France's Arthur Deuquet (with Isba de Nantuel) both posted even faster times, but at the cost of a rail down.

This landmark victory for the Swiss rider in a particularly high-level finale confirms the immense potential of her mare at this level. On the Grand Parquet, these 8-year-old horses proved they have what it takes to join the world elite very soon.

In Their Words:

Janika Sprunger (SUI), winner of the CSIYH1 Prix Stephex Horsetrucks finale with Victory Music Z:*

"I am truly very proud of this mare, who was second the other day. To win today is wonderful because she is so kind and generous; she truly deserves this victory. Achieving this performance on this track, in such a beautiful show, makes the moment unique. I came this year for the CSI2* and this young horse class. We are going through a slightly less intense sporting period than in the past, so this victory feels good for me and for my groom as well. It’s a moment we are all savoring together.

Victory Music is only 8 years old and is already starting her career very well. She won’t do many shows this year because she already does everything perfectly. We carefully choose the events where she appears, like here."

Olivier Perreau (FRA), runner-up with Celeana des Joanins Z:

"Today we had a very nice course for the 8-year-olds. The mare was fantastic in the first round. In the winning round, I felt I was definitely beatable; there were places where I could have accelerated more. But she is perhaps still a bit young for this type of jump-off. Finishing second is really great. She is a very good mare."