17 combinations took to the large indoor arena at Jumping De Bordeaux in France on the evening of Friday 2nd February to tackle Pierre Michelet’s track for the Devoucoux Indoor Derby.
The French FEI CIX entry list was naturally dominated by French riders, and it was France’s Benjamin Massie riding Cupidon du Cardonne that took the win with no jumping penalties, completing the track in 115.78 seconds to earn himself €4,000.
The middle part of the draw proved to be the one that got the crowd stomping their feet and egging the riders on in true indoor fashion.
Germany’s Michael Jung barely raised a sweat on board his wife’s horse nine-year-old Ignatz H, seemingly cruising around the course that runs through two arenas and an alleyway, to take the lead with a clear jumping round in 119.23 seconds.
Following him, France’s Quentin Faucheur riding RNH Mc Ustinov pulled off an excellent round at their first ever indoor competition, also jumping clear in 120.93 seconds and the French crowd had more to cheer about when Benjamin Massie riding Cupidon du Cardonne, who took second place here in 2023, flew into the lead and stayed there until the end.
Watch the full competition in the video above, with Spain’s Albert Hermoso Farras kicking off the action (complete with dressage moves on entry!). Benjamin’s winning ride is from 57:00, watch Michael’s round from 42:00 and Quentin’s from 47:00 minutes in.
1st: Benjamin Massie riding Cupidon du Cardonne (0 penalties 115.78 sec) 4,000 Euros
2nd: Michael Jung riding Ignatz H (0 penalties 119.23 sec) 3,000
3rd: Quentin Faucheur riding RNH McUstinov (0 penalties 120.93 sec) 2,250
