Martin Fuchs (SUI) and his 15-year-old , Conner Jei (Connor) were the first in the jump-off. The pair put pressure on the field with a clear round in 33.35 seconds. Immediately following, Scott Brash (GBR) managed to improve upon that performance with Hello Chadora Lady (Chacco-Blue), crossing the finish line in 32.32 seconds. No one was able to beat this time.

Harrie Smolders followed aboard the 14-year-old BWP gelding, Mr. Tac (Non Stop). The pair jumped clear through the finish in 33.35 seconds, recording the exact same performance as Fuchs. Ultimately, this resulted in a shared second place.

Willem Greve and the KWPN stallion, Grandorado TN N.O.P. (Eldorado vd Zeshoek), also kept it clear. The duo finished faultlessly in 34.17 seconds, good for fourth place. Last to start were Thibeau Spits and Impress-K van 't Kattenheye Z (Indoktro-K van 't Kattenheye). Last week, the pair finished on the podium of the Rolex Grand Prix; this time, they took fifth place!

Brash delighted with the win!

“I’m absolutely delighted. Chadora was exceptional today on what was a very special and pretty unique course designed by Santiago, as well as being very respectful of the horse, enthused Brash. Chadora secured a number of wins in Doha over the winter and had already jumped very well in the Grand Prix at the Dutch Masters a week ago, though we were a little unlucky with one fault. My strategy here was to do one minor class and then focus all my attention on this very fine Grand Prix Hermès. Thank you to everyone who makes this incredible competition possible.

Second, but still with a big smile on his face, Martin Fuchs also had plenty to be happy about.

“Even though I was the only one to go clear in the first round for a long time, looking at the starting list, I was well aware that others would join me and I was ready for the jump-off, explains Fuchs. I’m thrilled with this second place in Paris with Conner Jei. Now I have my sights on the World Cup final in Texas in April, which is one of my main goals (Fuchs triumphed there in 2022).” There was also a sense of satisfaction for Smolders, world No.17 (No.1 Dutchman). “It was Mr. Tac’s return to five-star competition and obviously I can only be delighted by this second place. Thank you to the Mégret family who own Mr. Tac for entrusting me with this incredible horse.”

 

result