Sweltering Paris cheers patriotic victory for Delaveau

Patrice Delaveau delivered a hugely popular win as the mercury soared in Paris in the build up to the 8th Grand Prix of the 2015 championship race.

The Frenchman clinched victory in 34.27 on his 13-year-old bay stallion Orient Express in front of delighted fans at the stunning arena overloooked by the City’s iconic Eiffel Tower.

Delaveau thanked the legions of fans who watched the 5* 1.50m competition featuring the world’s top riders from the breathtaking venue on the Champs de Mars. The event has already attracted world famous guests including champion golfer Lee Westwood, Ryder Cup champion and former World No1. Earlier Lee had enjoyed a round of golf with World No1 show jumper Scott Brash and in an exclusive interview for GCT TV Lee said: “This is an incredible experience, a wonderful place. This is really special to have show jumping here at the Eiffel Tower.”

Lee, is also passionate about horse racing, and gave some tips about success in top sport saying: “To get to the top of the sport at any level you have to have determination and have mental strength.”

There were 47 starters in the Prix Eiffel presented by L’Equipe and 19 riders went through to the jump off. Among the big names were Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, Scott Brash, Tour ranking leader Luciana Diniz, Edwina Tops-Alexander and last year’s Grand Prix victor Kevin Staut.

The double combination proved tricky for many of the world's top riders, and the jump off test saw only six riders pull off the double clear. Christian Ahlmann on Cornado looked to be the big threat but his time of 36.14 was not fast enough and he finished fourth behind the Colombian riders Daniel Bluman and Carlos Lopez finished in second and third place respectively.

John Whitaker took home the trophy in the first of the CSI5* competitions, winning the Prix Jappeloup with his mare Ornellaia, who has been on fine form in the recent legs. Jamie Kermond and Yandoo Oaks Constellation claimed the six bar title after an exciting and thrilling round in front of the packed crowds.

The beautiful show jumping stage in Paris is all set for the Longines Global Champions Tour – Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping Grand Prix tomorrow afternoon. The championship race reaches a critical point with Luciana Diniz battling to keep her lead with World No1 Scott Brash in contention to take over pole position.