even horse-and-rider combinations managed to navigate the demanding opening round inside the time allowed, with six producing double-clear efforts to earn their spot in the decisive jump-off. Setting the standard early in the main arena, the course proved a test of scope and rhythm, demanding absolute precision from start to finish.

When it came down to the final against the clock, it was McLain Ward who set an untouchable target. Crossing the timers in a blisteringly fast 42.68 seconds aboard the 13-year-old gelding High Star Hero (v. I Am Moerhoeve's Star x Darco), bred in Belgium by Luc Henry, Ward stopped the clock nearly a full second and a half ahead of his nearest rival.

Germany’s Christian Kukuk took up the chase with Akarad Tivoli Z (v. Akarad Hero Z x Landwind II), bred by Jacky Tivoli. While Kukuk matched Ward’s double-clear scoreline, his time of 44.30 seconds left him settling for second place. Rounding out the podium was Israel's Mark Bluman, who delivered a steady, clear jump-off round in 49.52 seconds aboard Genial de B'neville (v. Kapitol d'Argonne x Talent Platiere), bred by Jean-Baptiste Thiébot (Élevage de B'Neville).

Ireland's Shane Sweetnam posted the fastest four-fault jump-off round in 44.97 seconds on James Kann Cruz (v. Kannan x Cruising) to finish fourth, just ahead of Daniel Bluman with Corbie V.V. (v. Cornet Obolensky x Chacco-Blue) in fifth. Gabriel de Matos Machado completed the jump-off competitors in sixth riding Legaland Sandro (v. Sandro Boy x Concorde), while Kent Farrington finished seventh after a agonizing single-rail four-fault opening round with Greya (v. Colestus x Contender).

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