The 32-year-old from Zurich, a last-minute invitee for this event, triumphed in the saddle of Leone Jei. Steve Guerdat ranks 9th.
Never ranked better than 5th in this Top 10 Final, Martin Fuchs wanted more than ever to add this line to his list of achievements. “It’s my favorite event,” he recalled after his second round but before knowing the outcome. “This year I tried everything by riding Leone Jei,” he added.
Fourth at the end of the first round, Martin Fuchs pulled out all the stops on the second course to sign his second clear round of the evening, in 47”02. His last three rivals could only admit defeat, the favorite Henri von Eckermann (1st after one round) even having been the victim of a refusal from his horse King Edward.
2018 world vice-champion and 2019 European champion individually, Martin Fuchs signs a new prestigious success at Palexpo where he has already won the Sunday Grand Prix twice (2019, 2021). He gained confidence on Thursday evening by winning the Geneva Trophy, this time over Conner Jei.
Guerdat misses the mark
Winner of this event three times (2010 with Jalisca Solier, 2018 on Alamo and 2023 with Venard de Cerisy), Steve Guerdat therefore did not sign the pass of four. The Jurassien, who had decided to ride Iashin instead of Venard on Friday, made a fatal mistake in the first round, on the final obstacle.
The 2012 Olympic champion and 2024 Olympic vice-champion took all the risks on a second course that was shorter than the first. But he dropped a new pole and had to settle for 9th place. He will have the opportunity to make up for it on Sunday, with Dynamix de Belheme, in a Grand Prix that he has already won three times.
Canada
