London International first-time attendee Victor Bettendorf (LUX), riding eleven-year-old bay mare Encore Toi du Linon, won the CSI5* Champagne Taittinger Speed Stakes in a clear round almost two seconds faster than second placed Jos Verlooy (BEL) with Great Britain’s Jack Whitaker snapping at their heels in third.
French-based Victor said afterwards, “I wanted to win the class; I saw Sanne’s [Thijssen (NED)] round and then Jack’s [Whitaker] and knew I should keep the rhythm. The mare is always competitive but is sensitive and needs to trust me. I have ridden her for nearly three years. To win a class here is a huge deal, I have known this show since I was a child and always wanted to ride here. I have made my father (a veterinarian, rider and breeder) very proud as he always wanted to ride at London too.”
Second place Jos Verooy (BEL) riding Parise Van Den Dael said of his first competition of the Show, “This is great preparation for the big classes here. I will probably jump in the CSI5* Cavago Six Bar on Saturday and the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ presented by Agria [on Sunday]”
Third placed Jack Whitaker said: “Valmy (Valmy De La Lande) kicked off the week in a super way! Delighted to be 3rd in the first class of the weekend. He jumped fantastic as always and felt great to have him back out at one of our favourite home shows of the year! It’s a big week for us British riders so I’m looking forward to the rest of the Show!”
