The sun returned just in time to light up the highlight event of the Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France: the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, third stop of the prestigious Rolex Series 2025.
Fifty elite riders lined up for a course designed by the legendary Grégory Bodo, whose 17-effort masterpiece (14 obstacles, including a triple and a double) tested the best in the world. With a tight time allowed of 79 seconds, faults proved costly – and only eight riders made it through to the jump-off.
It was René Dittmer (GER) and Corsica X who had the honor of opening the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule. With 12 faults, his round revealed just how demanding and technical Grégory Bodo’s course would be. The pressure was on from the very start, and it didn’t take long for the tone to be set. Pedro Veniss (BRA), fifth to go, became the first rider to deliver a brilliant clear round with Nimrod de Muze Imperio Egipcio. Even the world’s very best weren’t immune to the challenge — including defending champion Kent Farrington and Greya, who picked up 8 faults. Meanwhile, Yuri Mansur (winner of the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome) and Cian O’Connor (runner-up at that same event of the Rolex Series) chose to retire mid-course.
We had to wait until the 14th rider, Henrik von Eckermann (Minute Man), to be certain of a second clear — proof of how selective the course truly was.
Some of the most spectacular clears came from Rolex Testimonees Scott Brash (Hello Folie), Richard Vogel (Levi Noesar), and Daniel Deusser (Otello de Guldenboom), as well as Henrik von Eckermann (Minte Mano), McLain Ward (Imperial HBF), Rene Lopez Lizarazo (Londina) and Riccardo Pisani (Chatolinue PS).
In the 8-horse jump-off, the drama reached new heights:
Pedro Veniss set the tone with a brilliant clear in 39.77s.
McLain Ward answered with a faster 39.17s to take the lead.
But the French crowd erupted as Rene Lopez Lizarazo blazed around in 38.36s.
And then came the grand finale: Daniel Deusser, last to go, delivered a stunning performance in 37.22 seconds, snatching the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de la Baule title with a roar from the La Baule crowd.
On the French side, this Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule was marked by 4-fault rounds. Kevin Staut, aboard New Libero One d’Asschaut, delivered the best French performance — the second-fastest of all riders with 4 faults — earning him a 10th place finish overall.
🏆 Final Podium:
Daniel Deusser (GER) – Otello de Guldenboom
Rene Lopez Lizarazo (COL) – Londina
McLain Ward (USA) – Imperial HBF
With the title staying in the Rolex Testimonee family, Daniel Deusser succeeds Kent Farrington as winner in La Baule.
The Rolex Series continues at full gallop — next stop: Falsterbo Horse Show, with the Rolex Grand Prix set for Sunday, July 13.
Daniel Deusser (GER), winner – Otello de Guldenboom
Closing the jump-off of the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule in spectacular way, Daniel Deusser and the impressive Otello de Guldenboom produced a lightning-fast round of 37.22 seconds in the jump-off, securing victory in front of an amazing crowd.
“With the advantage of going last in the jump-off, I knew exactly what I needed to do,” Deusser explained. “At the start, I wasn’t entirely sure about the striding between fences one and two, or into the double. But after watching McLain’s round, it was clear: you had to take one stride less into the double and cover as much ground as possible after that.”
“I’m really happy that my horse thought the same way I did — he understood everything and came with me all the way. It’s a fantastic feeling.”
The win was especially meaningful for Deusser and his team. “Otello was bought three years ago by Stephan Conter, who always had a clear vision of what this horse could become. But visions only go so far — the horse still has to perform and grow. He’s had some solid wins at 1.50m level in recent months, but this is his very first five-star Grand Prix victory. That makes us all incredibly proud.”
A fitting triumph for a rising star and a brilliant strategist — Daniel Deusser adds his name to the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule’s storied history.
René Lopez Lizarazo (COL), second place – Londina
Runner-up in this year’s Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, René Lopez Lizarazo delivered an exceptional jump-off round aboard the electric Londina, thrilling the crowd and momentarily seizing the lead before ultimately finishing second.
“This is a very emotional result for me,” René shared. “La Baule has always felt like a second home. Even during the years when I didn’t have the horses to be competitive, the organization here never closed its doors. They continued to welcome me, and that has meant a lot. I come from far away, but I’ve always felt the warmth of this place — from the event and the people. It truly touches my heart.”
Proud of his mare’s performance and the journey of his team, René added: “We are progressing all the time. I’m very happy with how Londina jumped today. She gave her all. Congratulations to Daniel — what a performance. But for us, this podium is a big step forward, and I’m grateful to be standing here among the best.”
McLain Ward (USA), third place – Imperial HBF
Only three shows into their partnership, McLain Ward and Imperial HBF continue to impress. After a brilliant double clear in the Nations Cup in Rome, they delivered another standout performance in Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, finishing third after a fast, clean jump-off.
“This is only our second jump-off together,” McLain shared after the class. “We did our first in Rome just a couple weeks ago. Imperial is a spectacular athlete — very careful, very intelligent. I feel incredibly lucky to have the ride on him. He’s a real dude — does everything you ask, and more.”
Reflecting on the event, McLain also praised the host city and event: “Coming here now for nearly 20 years, I always feel welcome — not just at the show, but in the whole community. The organization is top class, and Rolex, as always, raises our sport to an exceptional level. It’s a pleasure to be part of this.”
Pierre de Brissac, President of the Jumping International de La Baule
“This 2025 edition will be remembered. To see more than 48,500 spectators over four days here in La Baule — it’s a tremendous source of pride.”
During the press conference following the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, Pierre de Brissac expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the event’s key supporters:
“I want to warmly thank the City of La Baule, the Department, the Region, and of course Rolex. Without their unwavering support, none of this would be possible.”
He also praised the work of course designer Grégory Bodo:
“Once again, Grégory Bodo delivered a masterpiece. He speaks to riders through his courses — and today, he was at his very best.”
Turning to the podium, he offered congratulations to all three riders, with a special word for a beloved competitor:
“We may not have had a French victory today, but we had the most French of all Colombians. René Lopez, you’re family here in La Baule, and seeing you shine again on this arena brings us real joy.”
“This competition is magical — not just because it gathers the best riders in the world, but because it’s built on human values, loyalty, and passion. Thanks to all of you, we continue to write the story of international show jumping together.”
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