The second day of CSI5* competition at the Jumping International de Dinard delivered another captivating display of world-class sport as the Prix Mars & Co tested 41 of the world's leading combinations over a demanding 1.55m Table A with Jump-Off on the historic Val Porée grass arena.
Jordan's Ibrahim Hani Bisharat was first to tackle the course aboard Lesther, producing an encouraging clear round over the fences but collecting two time penalties. Belgian Olympic medallist Grégory Wathelet, Germany's Christian Kukuk, and several other leading contenders all incurred faults early on, highlighting the technical demands of the track. The Rolex oxer, placed as the final obstacle, proved particularly influential throughout the afternoon, catching out numerous combinations.

Ireland's Shane Sweetnam was the first rider to unlock the course, producing the opening clear aboard James Kann Cruz. France's Julien Anquetin soon joined him with an immaculate round on Beau de Laubry Z, before reigning Olympic champion Steve Guerdat, Belgium's Annelies Vorsselmans, New Zealand's Luke Dee, France's Mégane Moissonnier, Great Britain's Ben Maher, the United States' Lillie Keenan, Brazil's Pedro Junqueira Muylaert, Spain's Paola Amilibia, and Austria's Max Kühner all secured their places in an exciting ten-horse jump-off.

Choosing to preserve their horses ahead of Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard, both Shane Sweetnam and Max Kühner elected not to contest the jump-off, leaving eight combinations to battle for victory.

The deciding round immediately produced drama as Julien Anquetin's challenge ended with three rails down. Steve Guerdat then laid down an impressive early benchmark, stopping the clock in 43.21 seconds with a superb clear round, only to see Belgium's Annelies Vorsselmans finish just fractions behind in 43.93 seconds. France's Mégane Moissonnier thrilled the home crowd with another faultless performance to slot provisionally into second place.

The competition then reached another level. Olympic champion Ben Maher, riding Enjeu de Grisien, delivered a masterclass of speed and precision to take over the lead in 40.30 seconds. However, the final word belonged to American rider Lillie Keenan and Kick On. Combining bold turns with flawless execution, the pair stormed home in 38.75 seconds, producing an outstanding performance that proved impossible to beat. Brazil's Pedro Junqueira Muylaert, aboard Gemme Villers, completed the podium with another impressive clear in 42.35 seconds.

With another exceptional CSI5* contest concluded, anticipation continues to build at the Jumping International de Dinard as the world's elite prepare for Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard, the highlight of the week and the final international test before the FEI World Championships in Aachen.

Prix Mars & Co – CSI5* 1.55m
1st – Lillie Keenan (USA) & Kick On – 38.75
2nd – Ben Maher (GBR) & Enjeu de Grisien – 40.30
3rd – Pedro Junqueira Muylaert (BRA) & Gemme Villers – 42.35