One again the CSI5* Saut Hermès brought elite show jumping action to the glass-roofed Grand Palais in the elegant and occasionally chaotic heart of Paris. And despite sometimes violent protests in recent weeks on the neighbouring Avenue des Champs Élysées, officials and organisers determined that conditions were satisfactory to maintain the 10th anniversary edition of this unique event.
In fact, the Grand Palais is said to be the largest existing ironwork and glass structure in the world, containing more steel than the Eiffel Tower.
The Sunday’s €400,000 Grand Prix, whose 1.60m jumps and tight, technical course make it one of the most demanding tests on the international show jumping circuit, was won for the second time in a row by a French rider.
Simon Delestre and his 14 year-old chestnut gelding Hermès Ryan claimed the win in the glass-topped Grand Palais.
Hermès Ryan, who was rebaptized from his initial name Ryan des Hayettes in 2015 after Hermès became his and Delestre’s sponsor, went clear in both rounds and racing through the tight jump-off course in a time of 34.68 s.
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