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Earlier this year, Gilles Thomas was forced to surrender his LGCT Grand Prix win in Shanghai to Scott Brash. In St. Tropez, the Belgian once again had to settle for a spot off the top of the podium—but it was Brash who repeated history! The British rider claimed his second Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix victory of the year aboard the 12-year-old Hello Chadora Lady (Chacco-Blue).
A total of eight combinations qualified for the jump-off in the LGCT Grand Prix of St. Tropez. Riding the Paul Schockemöhle-bred mare, Brash clinched the win in a blazing 41.55 seconds.
“I’ve got some fantastic horses in the stable—this season’s already a success!” said Brash. “This mare just wants to win! Chadora is ranking high in the barn right now,” he added with a smile.
Brash admitted his jump-off round wasn't perfect - to his feeling.
“I know the jump-off didn’t go exactly the way I planned, but I also know how naturally fast my mare is. Luckily, that was just enough to stay ahead of Kent and Julien. As for the rest of the season—no predictions yet. I’m just going to enjoy this win and then get back to work.”
World No. 1 Kent Farrington followed in second with the 11-year-old Toulayna (Toulon), bred by Jasper Doucé. Farrington, who has previously noted that the Zangersheide mare is still early in her career, shared:
“I had to take some risks today. After watching Scott’s round, I thought—what’s the absolute best I can get out of Toulayna right now? Looking back, I think I could’ve ridden better as a competitor.”
Since Brash already secured a win in Shanghai, Farrington earns the coveted ‘golden ticket’ for the LGCT Super Grand Prix later this year.
Julien Épaillard brought joy to the home crowd by rounding out the podium:
“Maybe I could’ve made up some time toward the vertical, but I’m thrilled with this result. If you’d offered me third place yesterday, I would’ve signed immediately! It’s amazing to perform like this in front of the home fans.”
Just off the podium, Belgian riders dominated the top five. Belgian Champion Gilles Thomas finished fourth aboard the 9-year-old BWP mare Qalista DN (Emerald), owned by Wim De Nul. He edged out fellow Belgian Jérôme Guery, who claimed fifth with the 13-year-old Killer Queen (Diablo Blanco).
