There aren’t many equestrian competitions that make it into the glossy pages of French Vogue, but then there aren’t many competitions quite as glamorous as Saut Hermès au Grand Palais.
World’s best
The Grand Palais is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris and provides a stunning backdrop to the thrilling showjumping as the world’s best battle it out for big prize money.
You can watch this event, right here on H&C as we are bringing you highlights from two of the most exciting competitions – the €400,000 Grand Prix and the Saut Hermès pairs class.
Difficult course
The €400,000 Grand Prix sorted the women from the boys, with just three out of 47 starters making it through to the jump-off – two of which were female.
Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander was crowned queen of the Grand Palais, beating Pénélope Leprévost into second place by eight-hundredths of a second. Bertram Allen came third after Molly Malone V had one down in the jump-off.
“I can’t believe it!” said Edwina. “It was a really, really difficult course. But I knew exactly what to do and how to ride it.
“My mare was in excellent form. She really did a great job, especially considering she is still a relative novice at this level of competition.”
Youthful exuberance
Earlier in the week the 10 best male riders and the 10 best female riders were paired up to contest the Saut Hermès. The teams of two, who were decided by drawing lots, rode two rounds against the clock. The winners were 25-year-old Swedish rider Petronella Andersson and Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, who provided the perfect balance of youthful exuberance and years of experience.
“It was such an exciting class,” said a delighted Petronella. “I am so happy to be here and to have been teamed with such a great showjumper as Christian.”
You can catch all the action on Sky 253, or watch online by subscribing to H&C Play. Saut Hermès 2017 is on Friday 14 April at 8pm, followed by the Grand Prix Hermès 2017 on Saturday 15 April at 9pm.