After the traditional pre-event photo, the 21 riders taking part in this evening's class, sponsored by Hermès Sellier, set about tackling the course designed by the Spaniard Santiago Varela Ullastres, all aiming to finish in the top 13 and secure their place in the jump-off. However, with its 13 obstacles and 16 difficulties, the course in the International Arena proved to be quite tricky. Only three riders managed to complete their first round without a penalty: Mark McAuley, Martin Fuchs and the defending champions, Petronella Andersson (SWE) riding Odina van Klapscheut.

 Pénélope Leprévost, the best-ranked French rider in the first round, picked up a penalty point for exceeding the time limit with her promising nine-year-old stallion, who was competing in his first 1.60-metre class this evening. A slightly crazy scenario Although thirteen pairs were expected to take part in the second round, two of them chose not to take the start, namely the previous day’s winners, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and Hylanderhof’s Saruschka, as well as Charlotte Léoni (FRA) and Vivolenska, who had picked up 8 points. So, in the end, eleven pairs took part in the jump-off, on a slightly shortened course and in the reverse order of the initial rankings.

The riders had to strike the right balance: they needed to be fast but to avoid making any mistakes, in the hope of gaining a few places. Several pairs, who had finished with four points in the first round, managed to rectify their mistakes and ride clear rounds. This was the case for Marc Dilasser (FRA) on Make my Day*Z du Gevres, who finished 7th (50.96"), Germany’s Daniel Deusser on his spirited Navarro van het Eelshof, 6th (47.99"), Steve Guerdat (SUI) on Lancelotta, 5th (46.59") and Julien Epaillard (FRA) on Fini l’Amour. Marie Pellegrin’s former horse had only joined Julien's stables a few weeks ago but managed to finish in 4th place (45.38"). This fine performance highlights the potential of their new partnership

After this, Pénélope Leprévost knew what she had to do. She rode a clear round over the obstacles with a time of 53.97" to finished the class with 3 points in total. Knowing she had already secured her place on the podium, all she had to do was watch the last two riders take to the arena. Mark McAuley decided to play it safe. His excellent nine-year-old bay horse did not touch a single bar on the course. However, like the French rider before him, he was penalised 3 points for exceeding the time limit in 54.79 seconds, which meant he finished third.

That left Martin Fuchs, one of the crowd’s favourites, and his 11-year-old gelding, the son of Cornet Obolenski, who he has only been riding since September. The Swiss rider is a master strategist and managed to overcome the difficulties at the obstacles and cross the finish line in 52.82" – i.e. with just 1 time penalty point – to clinch the overall victory! With Martin Fuchs’s name now added to the list of winners of the Equita Masters presented by Hermès Sellier, the event has gained even more prestige.

Martin Fuchs (SUI): "This is my first five-star competition with Fave d’Authuit, so naturally I’m delighted. He’s got some experience already, but we don’t know each other very well yet. I wasn't sure whether I should enter him in such an event, but his owner, who is also here, encouraged me to do so. I was lucky enough to be the last rider to start in the second round. What's more, Henrik von Eckermann gave me some help by watching the other pairs’ and telling me what he thought I should do. Then, my horse was absolutely brilliant; he was very focused and responsive. Riding and winning here in Lyon is always special."