The USA’s Jessica Springsteen won her first 5-star show jumping competition with her Olympic team silver medal mount, Don Juan van de Donkhoeve, as the duo took the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London on Sunday.
Jessica Springsteen and Don Juan van de Donkhoeve are both all smiles after victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of London. (LGCT photo)
Olivier Philippaerts of Belgium was second for the second year in a row on H&M Miro. Picking up his 24th LGCT Grand Prix podium finish, Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands and Monaco N.O.P were third after a 10-horse jump-off, following a first round that drew 38 starters, five of whom retired on the course designed by Uliano Vezzani.
Against the backdrop of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Jessie’s win also earned her the “golden ticket” to the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Prague this autumn.
“I’m so happy with Don today,” said Jessie.
“I took some risks but it paid off. I’m so excited, I’m honestly in shock. It means so much to win here, especially in front of this incredible atmosphere and crowd in London. It’s an incredible venue and an incredible crowd, they really give you the energy — they’re really cheering you on and I think you and your horse, they really feel that which is special.”
There were six double clears in the tiebreaker. When it was Jessie’s turn to go, she took off with a flying start and then made a risky, tight turn to the double, Jessie did just enough to take the top prize with a clocking of 43.01 seconds.
Olivier Philippaerts, astride the illustrious H&M Miro, gave it everything he could from start to finish, determined not to make the same mistake as last year adding an extra stride to the last that cost him the win. He couldn’t quite match Jessie’s pace, stopping the clock in 43.90 seconds.