Daniel Deusser Dazzles in Rollercoaster €300,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Cannes CSI 5*

By Jumper News on 5 05America/Sao_Paulo June 05America/Sao_Paulo 2022

Cannes, France – June 04, 2022 – It was an evening of explosive top sport as Daniel Deusser (GER) and Bingo Ste Hermelle risked it all as first to go in the jump-off and triumphed in the dazzling Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Cannes CSI 5*, presented by Volvo Groupe Cavallari.

Deusser reigned supreme in the Cannes, wining a supercharged jump-off agains the heavywights stars of showjumping, just 0.23 seconds ahead of Spencer Smith (USA) and Theodore Manciais, who claimed second place.

Ben Maher (GBR) and Faltic HB claimed the final spot on the podium next to the shore of the Mediterranean for the 7th leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour championship series.

Smiling an waving to the crowd, Deusser told GCTV: “I am verry very, very happy with my little horse tonight. First to go in the jump-off is never easy. I took all the risks to the last fence, it is a great atmosphere here tonight and a great jump-off but of course, I wanted to be number 1, Bingo really fights for me and wants to win in the ring.”

Deusser’s victory means he is the latest to earn a coveted place at the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix later this year. The German said: “Prague is a goal for every rider here. The sooner you qualify, the better it is and I am happy and lucky I did it today.”

François Bourey – President of the Jumping International de Cannes said: “A successful return! We were sold out this evening, which proves that the jumping was really expected. Next year, it will be the 40th edition of the competition and we are determined to amke it a great celebration. It will be a special moment. We have started to talk about it with Jan Tops this evening and we have some great projects to work on in the coming months. First of all, I woudl like to thank the city and Mr. David Lisnard, the Mayor of Cannes, who has always supported the competition and made sure that the Jumping is held in optimal conditions. I approached this 39th edition as if I were organizing my international and felt the same emotions as when I started, which is absolutely wonderful. The organizing team, the public, volunteers, the atmosphere, the sponsors present, everything was great. See you in 2023!”

It was a rollercoaster start to the LGCT grand Prix of Cannes CSI 5* as course designer Uliano Vezzani‘s (ITA) tough first round track triggered multiple faults and retirements from a string of top riders, Under floodlights and in hot temperatures on the French Riviera, more major players tumbled out of the 1.60 class, leaving it just 6 to go through to the jump-off.

**Daniel Deusser** (GER) & **Bingo St. Hermelle**

It was a full horse at the Cannes showground and the excitement rose as the crrowd went wild as the first to go in the jump-off, Daniel Deusser (GER) and Bingo Ste. Hermelle entered the sand areana. The atmosphere was electric as the top combinatio set off flying to the first fence but it was his flat out gallop to the final fence where he risked it all, completing their performance in 34.62 seconds, putting more than enough pressure on the rest of the world-class field of competitors.

The race was on as Max Kuhner (AUT) rode another double clear even taking one less stride than Deusser in the first line, but he couldn’t match the pace, stopping the timers in 37.40 seconds. The temperature soared when home hero Kevin Staut (FRA) and the youngest horse in the field, Dialou Blue PS, rocketed around the shortened course but with two dow, ending their chances of a home wwin.

Still looking for his ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix, Ben Maher (GBR) was determined as ever to take the win in Cannes. Taking one less stride than Deusser aboard Faltic HB in the first and penultimate lines, Maher shook his head with disappointment as he stopped the clock slower than the German, being clean in 35.68 seconds.

The bar was set high but Spencer Smith (GBR) and Theodore Manciais were not intimidated. Making good use of Theodore’s long stride, the American star gained time between fences but an extra check to the final fence meant he would cross the finish line just fractions of a second behind stable mate Deusser, timed in 34.90 seconds.

Last to go, Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) and High Five gave it their best shot but they were a second down on the time to beat at the halfway and a costly rail put them on four penalty-points, off the podium and handing the win to the German.

The Longines Global Champions Tour now heads to Stockholm, from the 17th to the 19th of Jumper, for the eighth leg of the dramatic championship race.