Compiègne, France – April 06, 2025 – The 2025 Compiègne Classic ended in style this Sunday with a spectacular €56,800 CWD Grand Prix of the City of Compiègne CSI 3*, radiant weather and an atmosphere worthy of the biggest events. Under the sun, the public filled the stands throughout the day, to attend the last flagship event of this fourth edition and enjoy the numerous activities offered around the rings.
On the sporting side, the Grand Prix, rated at 1.55m, was dominated from start to finish by the Belgian riders. Jeroen Appelen (BEL), riding Dancing Wolf O.L, won after a breathtaking jump-off, followed by Koen Vereecke (BEL) and Nathan Budd (BEL), also authors of superb performances. Gudrun Patteet (BEL) completes the Belgian quartet at the forefront, while the best French performance goes to Juliette Faligot (FRA), sixth with Arqana de Riverland.
On the initial route, designed by Yann Royant, eighteen combinations, out of the sixty entered, obtained their ticket for the jump-off. Koen Vereecke (BEL), second to start, immediately put pressure on his competitors. The Belgian stated:
“I think that when we go first in the jump-off, we are obliged to give everything. That’s what I did. I know everything that can happen in our sport and I always wait until the jump-off is over before thinking about victory. I did well not to rejoice in a potential victory before Jeroen Appelen came through today.”
In turn, the contenders follow one another but only the fastest keep the set pace. Nathan Budd (BEL), third with Touardo Blue, explains:
“I would have liked to take one stride less to approach the last vertical of the jump-off but I had to add a little one at the last moment. Touardo is so respectful that I lose a little time when gliding over the obstacles but I am very good about him. I would perhaps like to participate in certain Nations Cups but it is clear that that does not depend on me, we also have to continue to convince the coach.”
The decision came down to the wire, that of Jeroen Appelen (BEL), who crossed the timers in 37”16 and thus won the Grand Prix.
“I watched the Koen jump-off (Vereecke, editor’s note), and he was very fast. I know that my horse is very fast and I took a stride less to approach the last obstacle. Then, I did my best in approaching the last one. I have been riding Dancing Wolf since the end of last year and he is doing very good things, he also won a great event during the World Cup stage in Gothenburg.”
Among the Blues, Juliette Faligot (FRA) put in a solid performance with Arqana de Riverland, which earned her a sixth place in the final.
“I added a stride to approach the second obstacle of the jump-off and I think I lost a little time there. Arqana is in very good shape and I have applied to participate in the CSI5 in Fontainebleau.”*
With this performance, Arqana de Riverland hands down wins the France Élevage Group’s breeder bonus, awarded to the best horse by a GFE stallion. Daughter of Cornet Obolensky and granddaughter of Diamant de Semilly, the mare allows her breeders to benefit from a covering by the late Falko de Hus*GFE.
Final Results – €56,800 CWD Grand Prix of the City of Compiègne CSI 3*
1) Jeroen Appelen (BEL) & Dancing Wolf O.L. – 0 / 0 – 37.16
2) Koen Vereecke (BEL) & Oilily de Muze – 0 / 0 – 37.81
3) Nathan Budd (BEL) & Touardo Blue Z – 0 / 0 – 38.14
Source: Press Release (translated & edited) from Clara Herteux for Grand Prix Events / Compiègne Classic
Photos: © Grand Prix Events / Agence Ecary
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Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News Belgie
