Latvia’s First Success at the Grand Palais: Kristaps Neretnieks Turns on the Nitro in the City of Paris Prize CSI 5*

By Jumper News on 2026-03-25

Paris, France – March 22, 2026 – On Sunday morning, the Prix de la Ville de Paris (two phases with jumps set at 1.50m) kicked off the third day of the 16th edition of the Saut Hermès CSI 5* at the Grand Palais. For the first time in the Saut Hermès‘ history, victory was awarded to a Latvian rider. Posting the fastest round was world No.95, Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) with Quintair, a 16-year-old gelding.

**Kristaps Neretnieks** (LAT) & **Quintair**

“It is very special to win in a competition that is so dear to me, admits Neretnieks, who travelled from Latvia specially to be here. It’s the third time I’ve participated at the Saut Hermès and it’s always an awesome experience. I was very motivated to get down to action and my horse loves jumping. As soon as he enters the ring, it’s as if he gets bigger.”

**Jérôme Guéry** (BEL) & **Careca LS Elite**

Securing a time of 27”35, the top Latvian rider, who has competed at the last two Olympics, in Paris and Tokyo, crossed the finish line 71 hundredths of a second faster than Belgian rider Jérôme Guéry (BEL) with Careca LS Elite. “I rode before Kristaps and he went for an option on a vertical jump that I didn’t go for, explains the Hermès partner rider. In a class like this, you have to risk everything. There might have been a way to beat him but I’m very happy with my second place. Finishing on the podium at the Saut Hermès is always enjoyable.”