Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and Delux van T&L won the CHF $200,000 Longines Grand Prix CSI 5* last night during the Longines CSI Basel 5*-W in Switzerland.

Marc Houtzager (NED) with Calimero and the Philippe Rozier (FRA) with Cristallo to second and third place. Barbara Schnieper came seventh as best Swiss.

Fourteen combinations managed to overcome the first round course with 13 obstacles without making any mistakes, thus qualifying for the jump-off.

Philippe Rozier (FRA) & Cristallo A LM setting the early double clear and setting the early mark to be challenged, one  that would eventually secure them third place.

In front of 5750 spectators in Basel’s St. Jakobshalle, starting rider Philippe Rozier (FRA) with Cristallo A LM showed the first flawless ride in the strong time of 37.47 seconds. The French rider remained in the lead for a long time. Rider after rider failed to beat Rozier’s mark.

Only Niels Bruynseels (BEL) on the Belgian gelding Delux van T&L, owned by the swiss Joël Kurmann, made it – the new best time was now 36.81 seconds. The remaining three competitors failed in their attempt to beat the Belgian.

Marc Houtzager (NED) Sterrehof’s Calimero flying towards second place

Marc Houtzager (NED) from the Netherlands missed the fastest time most narrowly with Sterrehof’s Calimero. Four hundredths behind he rode to second place.

Winner’s Circle – Niels Bruynseels

“I’ve been riding Delux for seven months. He’s very cautious and has all the scope. The atmosphere in the arena was fantastic,” said the winner.