Victor Bettendorf shines in the Longines Grand Prix at Equita Lyon
Lyon, France – Friday night saw Victor Bettendorf deliver a flawless performance in the Longines Grand Prix at Equita Lyon, leaving spectators in awe. Riding Foxy de la Roque, a promising nine-year-old bay, the Luxembourg rider completed a double-clear round, clocking an impressive 36.06 seconds in the jump-off to secure first place. His control and precision left no room for competitors to catch up.
A total of 47 pairs tackled the course crafted by renowned course designer Grégory Bodo, a challenging layout featuring 13 obstacles and 16 technical efforts. Only eight pairs managed clear rounds to advance to the jump-off. Among the participants were some of the top names in equestrian sports, including Swiss champion Martin Fuchs and Belgian Grégory Wathelet, last year’s winner. Yet, Bettendorf’s skill and focus, combined with Foxy’s boundless energy, proved unbeatable.
Harrie Smolders took second place with Monaco N.O.P., finishing the jump-off in 37.46 seconds, followed by Simon Delestre of France on Dexter Fontenis Z, with a time of 37.58 seconds. Delestre, who recently earned a team bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games, expressed his satisfaction with Dexter’s performance: “Dexter jumped beautifully in both rounds. The audience here in Lyon is fantastic; they bring such energy and push us to give our best.”
Bettendorf credited the victory to his strong partnership with Foxy de la Roque, a talented mare who continues to show remarkable progress. “Foxy is simply incredible, and she proved it again tonight,” Bettendorf said. “Every time we raise the obstacles, she tackles them as if she’s been jumping that height all along. Tonight’s course offered chances to cut strides, and with Foxy’s impressive stride length, I was able to approach it with confidence. She’s generous and respectful, and when I enter the ring, I know that if I ride well, we’ll finish clear. I don’t even need to worry about the clock—with her, it’s more a question of slowing down!” he added with a smile. “In short, I had a great time tonight.”
With this victory, Bettendorf is further solidifying his place among the sport’s most promising riders, sending a clear message ahead of the FEI Longines World Cup Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday, where the top riders will face off once again.
Top Five Rankings
- Victor Bettendorf – Foxy de la Roque (LUX), 0, 71.98 seconds / 36.06 seconds – 26,375.00 EUR
- Harrie Smolders – Monaco N.O.P. (NED), 0, 72.96 seconds / 37.46 seconds – 21,100.00 EUR
- Simon Delestre – Dexter Fontenis Z (FRA), 0, 72.25 seconds / 37.58 seconds – 15,825.00 EUR
- Grégory Wathelet – Double Jeu d’Honvault (BEL), 0, 72.76 seconds / 38.23 seconds – 10,550.00 EUR
- Alexa Ferrer – Vitalhorse Naiade d’Elsendam Z (FRA), 0, 74.73 seconds / 40.62 seconds
The event brought moments of high intensity, building anticipation for the competitions to come and leaving the crowd eager for Sunday’s challenges, where the world’s top riders are set to deliver another thrilling display of top-level sport.
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