Compiègne, France – April 09, 2026 – Twenty-five years after his first appearance in Compiègne, Irishman Denis Lynch (IRL) won the Demeures de Campagne Prize CSI 3* at 1.50m, the second major event of the Compiègne Classic CSI 3*. In the jump-off, he dominated from start to finish, leaving François-Xavier Boudant (FRA) and Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) more than a second and a half behind.

He had a good excuse for missing the first day: his wife, Australian equestrian Julia Hargreaves Lynch, was celebrating her 40th birthday. Having only arrived at the Grand Parc equestrian center this morning, Denis Lynch wasted no time in reminding everyone of his presence in Compiègne. The Irishman, ranked 51st in the Longines World Rankings and European team champion in 2017, won the 1.50m Prix Demeures de Campagne this afternoon, posting the fastest jump-off round of the day with the powerful Vistogrand.

“I’m delighted to be back on this beautiful course, where I competed about 25 years ago. It’s truly magnificent here,” smiled the rider, who will turn 50 on May 3rd.

Of the 92 horse and rider combinations entered in this second qualifier for Sunday’s Grand Prix, 30 completed Yann Royant’s course without fault, and 25 returned to compete in a high-intensity jump-off. Denis Lynch (IRL) made the difference with style, exploiting the power and immense amplitude of Vistogrand, his thirteen-year-old AES stallion, fresh despite a last outing in Bois-le-Duc in mid-March, to cover distances at a speed beyond the reach of all his competitors.

“I’m delighted with how Vistogrand jumped today,” said the winner, who has yet to decide on Saturday’s Grand Prix.

For the French riders, François-Xavier Boudant (FRA) posted the fastest time in the jump-off after Lynch, taking second place on Gloria des Besnards, a mare bred by his parents and, according to her rider, thrilled to be back on the large outdoor arenas after an indoor season. “I tried to ride the best round possible. I’m very happy with Gloria,” he said, already looking ahead to Saturday’s Grand Prix, in which he will ride Brazyl du Mézel.

Brazilian Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) completed the podium with I Know, just one-tenth of a second behind Boudant. Ten other French riders placed in this event, including Margaux Rocuet (7th), Éden Leprevost Blin-Lebreton (8th), and Théo Ogorzaly (11th).

Results

All the Compiègne Classic events are broadcast live on GRANDPRIX.tv, where all the rounds are then available on demand.

Final Results – €28,200 Demeures de Campagne Prize CSI 3*

1) Denis Lynch (IRL) & Vistogrand – 0 / 0 – 37.54

2) François-Xavier Boudant (FRA) & Gloria des Besnards – 0 / 0 – 38.84

3) Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) & I Know – 0 / 0 – 38.94

Source: Press Release (translated & edited) from Grand Prix Events

Photo: © Grand Prix Events / Sportfot

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