The CSI5* riders gathered in the iconic Stade François André on Thursday afternoon for the first qualifying competition towards Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule.

A total of 68 horse-and-rider combinations took on the 1.50m Table A against the clock class presented by FFE / GENERALI and, more importantly, a strong start to their Rolex Grand Prix campaign.

The first rider to enter the arena was American Jessica Springsteen. Setting the pace for the class, she looked on course for a strong result but was unlucky to pick up four faults at the second fence of the course.

Germany’s Daniel Deusser was the first rider to produce a clear round aboard Pepita van’t Meulenhof BR. Combining precision and speed, the pair stopped the clock in 61.73 seconds to temporarily take the lead.

In total, 25 combinations managed to leave all the fences intact, highlighting the high level of competition on display in Juming International de La Baule - Officiel de France.

Victory eventually went to Ireland’s Cian O’Connor and Genghis Khan, who delivered the fastest clear round of the day in 59.57 seconds. The Irish rider edged out France’s Kevin Staut and Féline de Hus HDC by the narrowest of margins, with the home favourite finishing just 0.03 seconds behind in 59.61 seconds.

Canada’s Erynn Ballard completed the podium aboard De Flor 111 Z Santa Rosa, crossing the finish line in 60.90 seconds.

Attention now turns to one of the highlights of the week, the prestigious Barrière Nations Cup, which will take place on Friday at 1:30 PM in front of the La Baule crowd.