The CSI5* competition at the Jumping International de Dinard, the fifth event of the 2026 Rolex Series season, got underway on Thursday with the Prix Les Estivales de l'Équitation, a 1.45m Two-Phase Special contested over a course of 12 obstacles and 14 jumping efforts. A total of 70 combinations came forward, featuring many of the world's leading riders and horses.

This year's edition of the Jumping International de Dinard carries added significance, as it is the final international competition before the FEI World Championships in Aachen. No fewer than 10 horses selected for the Championships are competing this week, using the prestigious French event as their final opportunity to fine-tune preparations before the season's biggest championship.

Germany's Christian Ahlmann was first into the arena and immediately set the standard aboard Diamantino. Producing the first clear round of the afternoon, he stopped the clock in 36.40 seconds, laying down an early benchmark for the rest of the field.
Great Britain's Ben Maher, riding Ginger-Blue, looked set to improve on Ahlmann's time. Although quicker around the course, a single rail at the oxer left the Olympic champion with four faults and denied him the lead.
As the competition gathered momentum, clear rounds began to accumulate. American rider Kristen Vanderveen became only the second athlete to leave every fence intact, before Luxembourg's Victor Bettendorf, aboard Gibbs un Prince, produced an excellent performance to move into provisional second place.
Brazil's Luciana Diniz then raised the bar, taking over the lead with a superb clear in 35.30 seconds. Shortly afterwards, Dutch rider Willem Greve added his name to the growing list of fault-free combinations, followed by Germany's Richard Vogel, who once again demonstrated his trademark speed and precision.
The home crowd soon had plenty to celebrate. France's Julien Épaillard, riding Fringan de Vesquerie, delivered a polished clear round to move into the provisional top ten. Fellow Frenchman François-Xavier Boudant followed with another impressive performance, stopping the clock in 36.21 seconds to slot into provisional third place ahead of Christian Ahlmann.

The battle for victory intensified as the class entered its final stages. Belgium's Gudrun Patteet, aboard Sea Coast Chica V.V. Z, produced a lightning-fast clear round in 34.28 seconds to take over the lead. Moments later, Switzerland's Steve Guerdat came even closer, securing provisional second place with another immaculate performance.
The excitement continued to build when Victor Bettendorf returned to the arena aboard Extasia Bella by Classic Z. Producing one of the fastest rounds of the afternoon, the Luxembourg rider crossed the finish line in 33.28 seconds, moving to the top of the leaderboard and looking well placed for victory.
However, one rider still remained.
Penultimate to go, World No. 1 Henrik von Eckermann entered the arena with the experienced Glamour Girl. Delivering a flawless display of accuracy, rhythm and efficiency, the Swedish rider stopped the clock in an unbeatable 32.63 seconds, overtaking Bettendorf to claim victory in the opening CSI5* class of the week.

By the end of the competition, 24 combinations had completed both phases without penalty, underlining the exceptional level of sport on display from the very first day in Dinard.

Final Results
🥇 Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) & Glamour Girl – 32.63
🥈 Victor Bettendorf (LUX) & Extasia Bella by Classic Z – 33.28
🥉 Gudrun Patteet (BEL) & Sea Coast Chica V.V. Z – 34.28