The first CSI5* victory goes to Italy's Luca Moneta with Jesus de la Commune

The opening CSI5* class of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Lausanne was won by Italy’s Luca Maria Moneta and his trusty 17-year-old Jesus de la Commune, who proved that aged is just a number when the heart is willing. Second place went to reigning European Champion Roger-Yves Bost (FRA) with Quaoukoura du Ty, who claimed his ninth top three placing in an LGCT class this season. Third went to the man of the moment, 19-year-old Bertram Allen (IRE) with Belmonde, who burst into the highest levels of the sport this season by winning the first round of the World Championships last week.

This afternoon’s class welcomed an illustrious line-up with no less than six 2014 World Championship medallists taking to the competition arena. Luc Musette’s course caused few problems and offered a welcoming introduction to this gorgeous lake-side arena in the Olympic Capital of Lausanne. Of the 51 starters, 25 jumped a double clear with the top five placed riders all finishing within one second of each other.

This evening’s feature class, the Prix de Canton de Vaud begins at 8pm CEST and many of the top combinations expected to start in tomorrow’s Grand Prix are taking to the arena. Ranking Leader Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) will be riding his bouncy stallion Clarimo ASK, Championship challenger Ludger Beerbaum (GER) competes Chaman and reigning LGCT Champion Scott Brash (GBR) has Hello Annie to help him continue his meteoric rise up the leaderboard. However, there will be hot competition from 2011/2012 LGCT Champ Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) with Old Chap Tame and 2014 double World Silver medallist Patrice Delaveau (FRA) with Carinjo HDC.