The CSI5* riders returned to the iconic Stade François André on Saturday afternoon for the Prix SAUR, a 1.50m Table A competition with jump-off and the final qualifying opportunity for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule.

A total of 67 horse-and-rider combinations came forward, with Million’s Grey and Thomas Ryan the first pair to enter the arena.

The course immediately proved influential. Ireland’s Cian O’Connor was the first rider to leave all the fences intact, but a single time penalty showed the rest of the field that speed would be just as important as precision.

Italy’s Riccardo Pisani and Chacco’s Lawito PS became the first combination to produce a clear round within the time allowed, quickly followed by Oliver Lazarus aboard Conbalthago PS and Antoine Ermann with Foxpit Grim. Fresh from helping France secure victory in Friday’s Barrière Nations Cup, Ermann continued his excellent form in front of the home crowd.

As the competition progressed, riders continued to battle for a place in the jump-off in front of a packed Stade François André. Emilie Conter, riding Portobella van de Fruitkorf, became the first female rider to secure qualification for the deciding round.

At the end of the first round, 17 riders had earned their place in the jump-off. Alongside Riccardo Pisani, Oliver Lazarus and Antoine Ermann were Gilles Thomas (Riesling van’t Roosakker), Nicolas Layec (Fee de Caryan), Gaëtan Joliat (Scaarlina de Tiji Z), Adrian Schmid (Chicharito 11), Shane Sweetnam (Pia Maria H), Richard Vogel (Phenyo van het Keysersbos), Julien Epaillard (Le Coultre de Muze), Nayel Nassar (Orphea HQ), McLain Ward (High Star Hero), Kyle Timm (Glamour du Chanu), Emilie Conter (Portobella van de Fruitkorf), Joseph Stockdale (Ebanking) and Steve Guerdat (Lancelotta).

However, only 14 combinations returned for the jump-off. Already qualified for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, Oliver Lazarus, Emilie Conter and Luke Dee elected to withdraw and preserve their horses.

Riccardo Pisani was first to return and immediately raised the standard, producing a brilliant double clear round in 38.29 seconds to put pressure on the remaining contenders.

Gilles Thomas soon added another double clear in 40.00 seconds, while France’s Nicolas Layec delighted the home crowd with a faultless round in 38.72 seconds.

The jump-off continued to deliver twists and turns. McLain Ward looked set for victory when he stopped the clock in 37.40 seconds, taking over the lead with a superb performance aboard High Star Hero.

When Steve Guerdat entered the arena aboard Lancelotta, the Swiss Olympic champion produced a masterclass. Combining speed, accuracy and efficiency, he crossed the finish line in 36.57 seconds to secure victory in the Prix SAUR.

McLain Ward finished second, while Nayel Nassar completed the podium after another impressive double clear round in 38.03 seconds.

With Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule now firmly in sight, the stage is set for a spectacular conclusion to the week in La Baule.

Prix SAUR – Top 3

🥇 Steve Guerdat & Lancelotta – 36.57s

🥈 McLain Ward & High Star Hero – 37.40s

🥉 Nayel Nassar & Orphea HQ – 38.03s