Off The Clock: Victor Bettendorf on Life After Foxy

For Victor Bettendorf, 2024 was the season that changed everything.

Aboard the extraordinary Foxy de la Roque, the Luxembourg rider announced himself as one of the sport's biggest stars, capturing the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome before going on to produce one of the performances of his career to win the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at GC Riyadh.

It was a breakthrough season that elevated Bettendorf onto the biggest stage in show jumping. But as the 2026 season unfolds, Victor finds himself embracing a new challenge - life after Foxy.

>> RELIVE VICTOR & FOXY'S WINNING ROUND - LGCT SUPER GRAND PRIX 2024 <<

Speaking as part of the Off The Clock series during the Longines Global Champions Tour of Paris, Bettendorf reflected on the journey that brought him to the top, the horse that transformed his career and the exciting next generation emerging in his stable.

Now based in France with his wife and family, Bettendorf's connection to horses stretches back as far as he can remember.

"I started riding when I was a little boy because my mum had a pony riding school and my dad was a passionate breeder," he explained. "We always had horses around, so I don't really remember the first time I sat on a horse. Since I was young, I've always been riding."

Although basketball and his studies briefly competed for his attention, horses ultimately won.

"When I turned 24, I chose to become a professional," he said. "I spent five years in Germany before moving to France, and that's where we are now."

The Moment Everything Changed

Looking back on Rome in 2024, Bettendorf still speaks with a sense of disbelief.

"Actually, it changed everything," he admitted.

The season had not started according to plan after the loss of Mr Tac, but in hindsight, Victor believes that disappointment opened the door for Foxy de la Roque to flourish.

"I think at the end, it was the best thing that could have happened for Foxy because she stepped up and jumped amazingly the whole season."

Rome was the moment Bettendorf realised he was sitting on something truly special.

"I think the first time I really realised I had a superstar was in Rome."

The qualification class had been demanding, and expectations for Sunday's LGCT Grand Prix were modest.

"I remember saying maybe it's enough just to qualify because Sunday was going to be too difficult."

Instead, Bettendorf found himself last to jump in the Grand Prix with victory within reach.

"Everything went so fast and so easily. After that, everything felt much easier because I knew what the feeling was to have a real superstar."

What followed was perhaps the most telling insight into the confidence Foxy inspired.

"When I rode the second round, it's the first time in my life I was sure I was going to do a good result. I didn't even think about making a mistake. I just tried to enjoy the moment. It was an unbelievable feeling."

>> WATCH THE MOMENT IT ALL CHANGED FOR VICTOR AND FOXY <<

What Made Foxy Different?

Ask Bettendorf what separated Foxy from the rest, and the answer comes instantly.

"I think her generosity. She always wanted to do well for her rider."

Of course, the mare possessed every physical attribute required at the very highest level.

"She had scope, she was careful - she was everything you want. But the mentality and the willingness to do well for the rider was just out of this world."

That extraordinary partnership eventually came to an end when Foxy was sold - a difficult but necessary decision.

Rather than searching for another Foxy, Bettendorf believes the secret to longevity lies elsewhere.

"I think the worst mistake you can make when you sell a horse is trying to find another one to compare to. Every horse has its own qualities. The character is different, the way you train them is different and the way they react is different."

Building the Next Generation

While Foxy may have moved on, Bettendorf's future remains bright.

Among the exciting horses currently coming through is Uncle, a talented and fiercely competitive mare already proving herself at top level.

"She's very careful and competitive up to 1.60m. She has a very strong character, but she's really pleasant to ride because she always wants to do her best."

As Bettendorf and his wife continue to develop the next generation, certain qualities remain non-negotiable.

"We like horses that are really careful, but also with a very good mind."

In today's sport, he believes mentality can be just as important as talent.

"Nowadays, you cannot be competitive if you don't have a horse that wants to do well for you."

Beyond the Arena

Away from the competition arena, the Longines Global Champions Tour continues to offer Bettendorf and his family the opportunity to experience some of the world's most iconic destinations.

"The Tour chooses really nice cities. It's nice for sport, but also to discover new countries and new cities. It's a really nice opportunity for me, my wife and the kids to travel a lot."

Asked which destination stood out this season, Mexico was the clear winner.

"I really enjoyed Mexico. The atmosphere was amazing, the city was unbelievable and the obstacles were colourful."

And what does success look like for Victor Bettendorf in 2026?

The answer is not measured in trophies alone.

"Success is when you don't sacrifice for nothing," he reflected. "We have to make a lot of sacrifices in this world - for family and for ourselves."

Then, with a smile, he summed it up in typically understated fashion:

"The juice must be worth the squeeze."