In a tightly contested jump-off at the CSI5*-W event in El Jadida, Germany's Tom Schewe claimed top honors in the 1.55m main class. Out of a competitive field, only six combinations managed to produce a clear initial round and earn their ticket to the decisive jump-off over the challenging Moroccan course.
Schewe, riding the 10-year-old KWPN gelding Lester (v. Eldorado vd Zeshoek x Andiamo Z), delivered a blistering clear round in the jump-off, stopping the clock at a winning 37.24 seconds. The talented gelding was bred by Teus Van Den Brink and Vof HX Horses.
Switzerland's Anthony Bourquard pushed hard for the victory but ultimate settled for second place aboard Festival Semilly (v. Tornesch 1042 x Orame). The pair produced a flawless double-clear performance, crossing the line in 37.76 seconds on the Selle Français gelding bred by Richard Levallois. Rounding out the podium was Frenchman Arthur Le Vot riding the 9-year-old Selle Français stallion Haristo du Gue (v. Cicero Z x Dalton van het Lindehof), bred by S.C.E.A. Haras D'arcy, who secured third spot with a clean jump-off time of 38.86 seconds.
Belgium’s Jérôme Guery brought strong representation for the nation, taking fourth place with the 10-year-old grey Holsteiner gelding Clayboy (v. Cornet Obolensky x Casall), bred by Elmar Haep. Guery stayed clear throughout the competition, recording a solid jump-off time of 39.94 seconds.
Italy's Emanuele Camilli was the final rider to keep all poles intact in the jump-off, finishing fifth with Casabea Blue PS (v. Casallco x Baloubet du Rouet) in 50.33 seconds. France's Antoine Ermann had laid down the fastest initial round time in the first phase, but 12 penalty points in the jump-off dropped him and Odin Van 'T Hanegoor (v. Kiekeboe x Thunder vd Zuuthoeve) into sixth position.
