The 1.60m CSIO5* Grand Prix of Barcelona took place this evening, presenting a demanding test in the opening round. Dutch breeding dominated the podium, while Jessica Mendoza secured victory in the feature class.
With the top 12 combinations advancing to the second round, Germany's Richard Vogel set an early benchmark. Riding Gangster Montdesir (Kannan, breeder: Haras Montdesir), Vogel carried four penalty points from the first round before delivering a clear second effort, finishing on a total of four points in 46.29 seconds.
Towards the end of the class, former Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa took the lead aboard the BWP gelding Major Tom (Vagabond de la Pomme, breeder: A. Van Gijsel). The pair logged a double-clear performance, stopping the clock in 47.06 seconds.
Shortly after, Jessica Mendoza took over the lead in the saddle of the KWPN mare In The Air (Air Jordan, breeder: C. Den Boer). The combination had already claimed victory in Thursday’s qualifying class in Barcelona.
Sophie Hinners, winner of the recent LGCT Grand Prix in Vienna, was the final rider to enter the ring. A rail down with Iron Dames Kaleni Jo (Kannan) placed the German rider seventh, confirming the final standings.
Mendoza sealed the Grand Prix victory, continuing her successful run in Barcelona. Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom finished in second place, while Cian O'Connor completed the podium in third with the 11-year-old KWPN gelding Kentucky TN (Verdi TN, breeder: Team Nijhof).
Reactions from the winner's circle will follow later.
