In a packed grandstand-electric atmosphere, France’s Kevin Staut turned in a faultless and fearless round aboard Vida Loca Z, crossing the finish line in a blistering 34.75 seconds to clinch the Lugano Trophy. His combination of agility and heart earned thunderous applause from the local fans.

Speaking to GCTV Kevin Staut smiled: “I was sure that I could take a short turn to the last oxer, which was where I gained the most time. So I didn't over push in the beginning because I knew I could make up time at the end. She is a fantastic mare. I have ridden her since she was 6 years old, she has the quality to be a champion, and she has already had quite a few good wins. To then win a big five-star competition here in France, I am just hoping for the best for the future because she really is an amazing horse.”

Only three riders managed to stop the clock in the jump off without faults. Jana Wargers (GER) and Dorette OLD pushed hard to finish a close second in 35.14 seconds, while rising French rider Charlotte Leoni and Cyclone l'Epivent secured third place with a clean round in 37.62 seconds, much to the crowd’s delight.

Presenting the perfect mix of speed and drama, 2024 LGCT Champion Austria’s Max Kühner and EIC Julius Caesar clocked the fastest time but incurred 4 faults in 34.45 seconds, while class favourite Katrin Eckermann aboard Chao Lee also had four faults in 35.00 seconds taking an excruciating rail at the penultimate fence. Belgium’s Jérôme Guery, riding Careca LS Elite, entered the ring with one thing in mind. The lightning-fast duo delivered the quickest round of the day (34.23 seconds) but collected 8 faults, taking the last two fences and leaving them in sixth.

It was a class packed with riveting moments - from nail-biting zero-fault finishes to high-speed near-misses - and capped with a sterling performance by the home favourite. As the prize-giving concluded, the DJ got going and the audience spilt into the pulsing village.

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