Barcelona’s Estrella Damm Trophy offered a masterclass in showjumping finesse. Riders who managed to marry balance with speed found themselves climbing the leaderboard, while the stopwatch proved as decisive as any rail. In the end, it was not faults that shaped the outcome, but fractions of seconds that separated champions from challengers.
At the top of the leaderboard stood Megane Moissonnier with Kandoo Z (Kannan), who blazed through the second phase in 36.53 seconds. Their performance was both smooth and relentless, leaving no margin for the rest of the field to catch.
Just a fraction behind, Juan Riva Gil riding Fernhill Balou Beau (Sligo Candy Boy) crossed the finish in 36.63 seconds. The Spaniard delighted the home crowd with a round that shimmered with energy, but the narrow gap of a tenth of a second kept him from the ultimate prize.
In third place, Ireland’s Michael Pender with Madgeslane Louis (Luidam) produced yet another clear, this time stopping the clock at 37.33 seconds. Pender’s calculated approach emphasized accuracy over risk, securing a podium finish in style.
Spain still had more to celebrate, as Otti Verdu Vidal and Gloria Casa Ballonga (Vagabond de la Pomme) claimed fourth in 37.77 seconds.
Completing the top five was Xavier Cebria Soriano on Dasha (Diamant de Semilly), who delivered a clear in 38.39 seconds. Though just outside podium contention, his consistent rhythm underlined the level of competition in this high-octane class.
