La Baule, France — June 13, 2026 — Swiss rider Steve Guerdat (SUI), winner of the La Baule Derby – Demeures de Campagne, was the standout performer on the third day of the Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France CSIO 5*.
The crowd’s standing ovation seemed to last forever. First, early in the afternoon following the €110,000 Saur Prize (1.50m, with a jump-off). Then again later, after the La Baule Derby – Demeures de Campagne. Two major classes, two masterclasses from Steve Guerdat (world No. 10), the 2012 Olympic champion, three-time World Cup Final winner, 2023 European champion, and victor of numerous Grand Prix events. And with each podium finish came a wave of emotion.
Last to go in the starting order, Guerdat faced an equally daunting challenge after the round delivered by his compatriot Martin Fuchs (SUI), who had set the pace aboard the mare Love de Vie. For a long time, Fuchs looked set to emulate his father Thomas, winner of this Derby in 1983 with Willora Carpets. A true enthusiast of this unique class, Guerdat immediately established a very fast rhythm aboard the Selle Français stallion who had already carried him to victory last year.
At the final intermediate checkpoint, only four hundredths of a second separated the two riders. By the finish line, Guerdat had extended the margin to 0.81 seconds, securing a second consecutive triumph.
“I knew I had to go almost four seconds faster than last year to win,” he said. “Easy Star jumped even better than he did last year. At no point did I feel him struggling. Personally, I enjoyed it a little less because I had the clock on my mind the whole way around. But the joy is immense after such an incredible day. On Friday, I was a bit disappointed with my Coupe de Nations performance. Lancelotta jumped very well, but we had a rail down in both rounds. The same thing happened in thursday’s qualifier, so I wasn’t qualified for the Grand Prix. My spirits were a little low. This morning, I took my horses to the beach. When we came back, I saw people already lining up to get in. It’s a privilege to be here, to compete at shows like La Baule where the atmosphere is always extraordinary. I told myself it was a new day, with two great classes ahead, and that I needed to make the most of it. My mare was fantastic in the Saur Prize. She loves jump-offs and enjoys going fast. She trusts me. The jump-off was brilliant, and it motivated me even more for the Derby. I have a lot of natural obstacles at home because I like being close to nature. My horses are used to them and enjoy jumping this kind of course. To take two victory laps in La Baule gives you goosebumps. I feel so good here.”
The podium was completed by Colombia’s René Lopez Lizarazo, winner of the Derby in 2018 with Destiny’s Child.“It was the first time my mare had tackled a course like this. I’m really pleased with her and delighted to be here at such a wonderful show. It’s just a shame there were two Swiss riders ahead of me today!” Nicolas Layec, runner-up in last year’s Derby with Georgio Louvo Z, was the highest-placed French rider this time, finishing fifth.
Final Results – €56,800 Demeures de Campagne Derby de La Baule CSIO 5*
1) Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Easy Star de Talma – 0 – 129.73
2) Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Love de Vie – 0 – 130.54
3) Rene Lopez Lizarazo (COL) & Visa de Vy Z – 0 – 136.43
Source: Press Release from Agence 15Love for Jumping International de La Baule
Photos: © JILB / PSV Photo
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Categories: CSIO 5*, English, Jumper News Schweiz
