On Saturday, August 30, the Stephex Arena hosted the CSIO5* presented by Audi (1.50m – Table A with Jump-Off), the final qualifying opportunity for tomorrow’s highly anticipated Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi. From 55 starters, only 11 combinations advanced to the jump-off, setting the stage for a dramatic evening in Brussels.

It was Great Britain’s Scott Brash who opened the class with a flawless round aboard Hello Folie, immediately setting the tone and booking his place in the jump-off. Clear rounds followed from Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA), Martin Fuchs (SUI), Ben Maher (GBR), rising French star Nina Mallevaey, defending Rolex Grand Prix champion José María Larocca (ARG), Wilma Hellström (SWE), Nadja Peter Steiner (SUI), Pieter Devos (BEL), Niels Bruynseels (BEL), and Gerrit Nieberg (GER).

The jump-off proved just as thrilling. Brash delivered a stylish clear in 44.43 seconds, but was soon overtaken by Martin Fuchs, who stopped the clock in 42.84 with L&L Lorde. Then came fellow Ben Maher with his trusted mare Ginger-Blue — producing a masterful round in 42.28 seconds to take the lead.

The challenge wasn’t over. Nina Mallevaey (FRA), riding Destine To Be, gave a sensational effort in 42.75 to move into second, before Nadja Peter Steiner (SUI) and Nice van’t Zorgvliet went even quicker in 42.57, slotting into the runner-up spot and pushing the French rider down to third.

Defending champion José María Larocca (ARG) saw his hopes dashed with a rail down, while home favourites Pieter Devos and Niels Bruynseels each collected 4 penalties. Closing the evening, Gerrit Nieberg (GER) posted a steady clear, but his time of 44.18 placed him seventh overall.

In the end, it was Ben Maher and Ginger-Blue who proved untouchable, securing victory in front of an electric Brussels crowd and confirming themselves as top contenders for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi.

🏆 Final Podium – CSIO5* presented by Audi 

🥇 Ben Maher (GBR) & Ginger-Blue — 42.28
🥈 Nadja Peter Steiner (SUI) & Nice van’t Zorgvliet — 42.57
🥉 Nina Mallevaey (FRA) & Destine To Be — 42.75