France’s Julien Epaillard once again proved why he is one of the fastest riders on the international circuit, claiming a commanding victory in tonight's 1.55m Winning Round in Stuttgart.
True to his reputation, Epaillard set an untouchable pace in the decisive second round. Partnering with the 11-year-old Selle Français gelding Fini l'Amour (s. L’arc de Triomphe x Canadian River), bred by M. Raoul Deschildre, the French speed merchant stopped the clock at a blistering 43.87 seconds with all fences intact to secure top honors.
Germany’s Britt Roth delivered an impressive performance in front of her home crowd to take second place. Riding the 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding Jeffrey 19 (s. Comme Il Faut x Cachas), bred by Philipp Freier, Roth crossed the finish line clear in 44.45 seconds, falling just over half a second short of Epaillard's winning time.
Belgium’s Pieter Devos rounded out the podium in third place. Aboard the 12-year-old KWPN mare Jarina J (s. Cicero Z van Paemel x Harley), bred by H.C.B.M. Janssen, Devos produced a smooth, faultless round in 44.84 seconds.
Just off the podium, Brazil’s Yuri Mansur guided the 13-year-old KWPN gelding Incanto VDL (s. Kannan x Indoctro) to fourth place with a clear effort in 45.08 seconds. The Netherlands' Bas Moerings completed the top five, steering his 11-year-old KWPN mare Kivinia (s. I M Special de Muze x Calido I) cleanly around the course in 45.67 seconds.