Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) & Flotte Deern (Forsyth FRH x Cheenook) were declared the winners of the €50,000 Six-Bar Challenge, presented by Renault last Thursday during the Paris Eiffel Jumping CSI 5* at the Champ de Mars in Paris, France.

Course Designer Uliano Vezzani (ITA) certifying that the last obstacle was set at 2.11 meters

The combination representing Sweden reached qualified for the fifth round, going up again Julien Epaillard (FRA) & Virtuose Champeix (Rubins des Bruyeres x Avec Espoir). Eventually, the first two prevailed after dropping only the last fence at the height of 2.11 meters, whereas Epaillard dropped the last two.

Julien Epaillard (FRA) & Virtuose Champeix

Christian Ahlmann (GER) & Atomic Z (Cumano x Chin Chin) and Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Japatero (Eldorado van de Zeshoek x For Pleasure) shared third place with one rail down during their fourth round with a maximum height of 2.01 meters.

Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) & Flotte Deern

Henrik von Eckermann:

“In fact, I did not really want to start on this last round at 2,11m, confessed Henrik von Eckermann, but Julien wanted, for his audience, what I understand. But finally, I was the lucky one. I like to do this kind of event with Deern Fleet because it’s a great exercise to train her in two-stride combinations where she needs to improve. That is why I initially start in these classes, but in the end, I also do it for the sport. The last time I took part in such a class, she won it and then won the Grand Prix the next day.” A warning?