Bettendorf’s Dream Debut at the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix

The stage was set for the sixth edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix under the lights in Riyadh. The €1.25 million LGCT Super Grand Prix brought together the world’s best riders for one of the most exclusive Grand Prix competitions in the world.

At the heart of the evening’s drama, 34-year-old Victor Bettendorf cemented his name in show jumping history with a dazzling double-clear aboard his exceptional nine-year-old mare, Foxy de la Roque.

Round 1

From the start of Round 1, the evening promised a competition of the highest caliber. Four riders posted clear rounds, including Bettendorf, Belgium’s Gilles Thomas on Ermitage Kalone, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann with Messi van’t Ruytershof, and the 2024 LGCT Champion Max Kühner riding Elektric Blue P. With just two rails separating the rest of the field, the stakes had reached an all-time high as the second round loomed. 

Meyer-Zimmermann started the prestigious class off with a bang, posting a stellar clear round. Gilles Thomas followed suit with a fluid performance that hinted at his intentions for the podium. Meanwhile, Kühner’s reliability and Bettendorf’s daring ensured a thrilling battle was in store for the final showdown in Round 2.

Round 2

The second round tested the grit of even the most seasoned competitors. Riders like Christian Kukuk on Just Be Gentle and Nicola Philippaerts with Katanga v/h Dingeshof showed moments of brilliance, but costly rails kept them out of contention. Penalties from Round 1 proved costly, as it quickly became clear that Super Grand Prix demanded nothing short of perfection. Carrying over 4 penalties from the first round, Eduardo Alvarez Aznar and Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot delivered an impeccable clear, crossing the finish line to the roaring support of the crowd but ultimately couldn’t reach the podium in this formidable field of competitors. Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca went all-in on Denver de Talma with a blazing round, briefly taking the lead before being edged out. 

Michael Duffy, aboard Quirex, opted for a steady approach after incurring time faults in round one. His clear round put him temporarily at the top of the leaderboard, raising the stakes for the riders to follow.

The real fireworks came when Gilles Thomas delivered the first double-clear of the evening on Ermitage Kalone. His daring lines and efficient turns set a blistering pace of 70.28 seconds, laying down the ultimate challenge.

As fans of the sport know, anything can happen and nothing is guaranteed. Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, after her flawless first round, succumbed to the pressure, knocking down the first fence and ending her hopes for a podium finish. Max Kühner, on the verge of a historic sweep of the year and zero penalties from Round 1, saw his chances dashed when a featherlight touch at the penultimate fence knocked him out of podium contention.

As Bettendorf entered the ring, the atmosphere was electric. All eyes were firmly fixed on the arena to see if this LGCT Super Grand Prix rookie could secure the ultimate victory in his Playoffs debut. With perfect composure, he and Foxy de la Roque cleared every obstacle with elegance and speed. When they crossed the finish line, it was clear: the 2024 LGCT Super Grand Prix title belonged to Bettendorf.

Bettendorf’s triumph was a moment for the history books, joining the ranks of legends like Henrik von Eckermann, Daniel Deusser, and Ben Maher. With a new Champion of Champions crowned, this year’s LGCT Super Grand Prix upheld its reputation as a showcase of the very best in show jumping, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring.