Pieter Devos & Primo DV Power to Victory in the €500,000 Rolex Ville de Dinard Grand Prix CSI 5*

By Jumper News on 2026-08-03

Dinard, France – August 02, 2026 – The highlight of the Jumping International de Dinard CSI 5* & CSI 3*, the fifth event of the 2026 Rolex Series season, delivered a thrilling afternoon of world-class sport as Pieter Devos (BEL) claimed victory in the €500,000 Rolex Ville de Dinard Grand Prix CSI 5* aboard his homebred Primo DV, mastering one of the most demanding tests of the outdoor season.

Contested over 1.60m on the iconic Val Porée grass arena, the competition attracted 41 of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations, all competing before packed grandstands and an enthusiastic French crowd. Designed by renowned French course designer Jean-François Morand, the first-round track featured 14 obstacles and 17 jumping efforts, with a demanding time allowed that was increased from 83 to 84 seconds after the opening rounds.

Ireland’s Denis Lynch (IRL) was first into the arena aboard Vistogrand, producing a determined performance before a rail at the final oxer and three time penalties ended his hopes of qualification.

**Max Kühner** (AUT) & **EIC Cooley Jump The** Q

Austria’s Max Kühner (AUT), winner of the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard in 2023, immediately raised the standard aboard EIC Cooley Jump The Q, becoming the first rider to produce a clear round within the time allowed and securing an early place in the jump-off.

As the class unfolded, the difficulty of the course became increasingly apparent. The final oxer claimed numerous victims, including José Antonio Chedraui Eguia (MEX), Annelies Vorsselmans (BEL) and Richard Vogel (GER), while the demanding time allowed proved just as decisive. Fresh from his victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of Falsterbo, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) looked set to qualify with James Kann Cruz, only to incur a heartbreaking single time penalty after an otherwise flawless performance. French hopes also came close through Olivier Perreau (FRA), whose superb round aboard GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly was denied a place in the jump-off by just two time penalties.

The home crowd had further hopes with François-Xavier Boudant (FRA), who remained within the time allowed before a rail at obstacle 11 ended his challenge, while Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), Lillie Keenan (USA) and Steve Guerdat (SUI) were among the many leading contenders unable to solve Morand’s demanding test.

By the halfway stage, Max Kühner (AUT) remained the only rider to have achieved the seemingly impossible: a fault-free round inside the time allowed.

**Christian Ahlmann** (GER) & **Sheeran WL**

The tension continued to build until Germany’s Christian Ahlmann (GER), aboard Sheeran WL, delighted the spectators by becoming only the second rider through to the jump-off. Belgium’s Pieter Devos (BEL) soon followed aboard Primo DV, while Brazil’s Luciana Diniz (BRA) also qualified with Vertigo du Desert. However, with the FEI World Championships in Aachen approaching later this month, the Brazilian elected not to contest the jump-off in order to preserve her championship mount.

Three combinations therefore returned for the decisive jump-off.

Max Kühner (AUT) was first to go and immediately attacked the shortened course, taking bold risks from the opening fence. Despite setting an impressive pace, four faults at the penultimate obstacle left the door open.

Christian Ahlmann (GER) followed with a composed, fault-free performance in 49.08 seconds, applying considerable pressure to the final rider.

Last to return, Pieter Devos (BEL) delivered a masterclass of speed and precision aboard Primo DV, stopping the clock in 47.42 seconds to secure a memorable victory in the €500,000 Rolex Ville de Dinard Grand Prix CSI 5*. The success carried special significance for the Belgian rider, as Primo DV is a horse bred by Devos and his family, making it his first CSI 5* Grand Prix victory with a homebred horse.

Behind the podium, Luke Dee (NZL) finished fifth aboard Gangster WW, while Shane Sweetnam (IRL) claimed sixth with James Kann Cruz despite his unfortunate time penalty in the opening round. Best of the home riders was Olivier Perreau (FRA), who guided GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly to seventh place.

The victory marks another major success for Belgium in the Rolex Series and brings to a close an exceptional week of sport in Dinard, where packed grandstands witnessed world-class competition from the opening day to a spectacular Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard finale.

Winner’s Circle – Pieter Devos (BEL)

“I knew after watching Christian that I had to take more risks. At the beginning of the jump-off I stayed a little careful because Primo isn’t naturally the fastest horse, but afterwards I really went for it. He was incredible today and I’m so proud of him. Primo is the first horse I have bred myself to win a CSI5* Grand Prix. That makes this victory incredibly special. My family and I have put so much into breeding horses, so to win a Rolex Grand Prix with one we’ve bred ourselves is something I’ll never forget.”

Second Place – Christian Ahlmann (GER)

“When I walked the course, I immediately felt it was going to be a big challenge. The time allowed was probably the biggest difficulty, but I think Jean-François Morand built an excellent course. I first came to Dinard ten years ago and I immediately understood why everyone loves coming here. The atmosphere is incredible, the crowds are amazing and my daughter loves the pink color. Every year we try to come back.”

Third Place – Max Kühner (AUT)

“This was an important class for us. EIC Cooley Jump The Q will be my horse for the FEI World Championships, so to finish on the podium after such a demanding test on grass gives us a great feeling heading to Aachen. Rolex Series events always bring together the best riders, the best horses and fantastic conditions. It’s always a privilege to compete in this atmosphere.”