Scott Brash dominates the Longines Grand Prix

The atmosphere in Lyon was electric. And in the end, Scott Brash came out on top. At the end of a dramatic jump-off, involving 19 couples, the Scottish rider won the Longines Grand Prix on Hello Vincent. Scott Brash was the last rider to take to the arena, but he managed to complete a double clear round and, above all, to beat the time of his compatriot Holly Smith, riding Denver. By notching up the fastest two times of 34''32 and 34''76 respectively, Great Britain has achieved a double success in this Grand Prix at 1.60m, which serves as a qualifying class for the Equita Masters on Saturday evening and for the Longines FEI World Cup Grand Prix on Sunday.

So, Scott Brash recorded another win with his protégé Hello Vincent. "It was a difficult jump-off, with a lot of riders. Fortunately, I was able to watch a few couples and, above all, I was lucky enough to be the last rider out. To be honest, I was surprised to see so many clear rounds because I thought the course was pretty tricky when I assessed it. But here in Lyon, the level is always top notch. And the riders come with their best horses. I am delighted to have won and to be able to ride in front of a full house once again. We haven't experienced such an atmosphere for a long time." 

In total, seven couples achieved a double clear round. Sweden's Petronella Andersson took third place with Castres van de Begijnakker in 35'91.

The best French performance was by Nicolas Delmotte, who rode the last double clear round in 37'77, finishing in seventh place with Ilex VP.

1. Scott Brash & Hello Vincent 0/0 34’’32

2. Holly Smith & Denver 0/0 34’’76

3. Petronella Andersson & Castres van de Begijnakker 0/0 35’91