St. Tropez, France — September 18, 2025 — The first CSIO 5* at the Polo Club de Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin, host of the 4th leg of the 2025 Longines League of Nations global series, kicked off in style this Thursday. The Netherlands, Luxembourg and France made their mark under bright sunshine.
Victor Bettendorf (FRA) got off to a victorious start at the Jumping Gassin International CSIO 5* & CSI 2*, riding Encore Toi du Linon in the €28,400 Small Tour CSIO 5*, presented by Derbez CSIO 5*.
The two-phase class was contested by 53 combinations but it was Bettendorf who blazed over the 1.45m fences and past the field, guiding the 11-year-old bay Selle Français mare (Kannan x Desir du Chateau) flawlessly throughout the entire track, completing the second section of Grégory Bodo’s (FRA) course in 25.34 seconds.
“My mare is very fast and careful. I know I don’t need to take too many risks to get a good placing, even though today I did leave out a stride before the final double, but it paid off. I love coming to Gassin. The setting is exceptional. It’s incredible to see how the venue has evolved in the last two years, and the organizers continue to improve it. Today, the conditions are extraordinary, both for us riders and for our horses, who are perfectly accommodated in permanent stabling. It’s a pleasure to support shows like this,”reacted the Luxembourgeoise.
The host nation was denied victory but saw two of the top three placings claimed by fellow countrymen. Simon Delestre (FRA) and Dexter Fontenis Z matched the clean scorecard of the eventual winners, finishing second in 26.49 seconds.
Marie Demonte (FRA) and Give me One Reason DK rounded out the top three with no penalties too, doing so in 26.90 seconds.
Final Results — €28,400 Small Tour presented by Derbez CSIO 5*
1) Victor Bettendorf (LUX) & Encore Toi du Linon — 0 / 0 — 25.34
2) Simon Delestre (FRA) & Dexter Fontenis Z — 0 / 0 — 26.49
3) Marie Demonte (FRA) & Give me One Reason DK — 0 / 0 — 26.90
Source: Press Release from Polo Club Saint-Tropez
Photos: © Agence Ecary / Sara Bedu
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Categories: CSIO 5*, English, Jumper News France
