Peder Fredricson took the Cannes round of the Longines Global Champions Tour with a superb clear round in the jump-off
LGCT and GCL Cannes: Showjumping glamour
01:47 - Source: CNN

Story highlights

Peder Fredricson wins Cannes LGCT

Takes eight-strong jump off

Harrie Smolders finishes second

CNN  — 

Peder Fredricson of Sweden pipped world number one-ranked Harrie Smolders to victory in the Cannes round of the Longines Global Champions Tour Saturday.

Riding Hansson WL, European champion Fredricson came out on top in an eight-strong jump off with a clear round of 38.05 seconds, shading Dutchman Smolders, who won the Global Champions Tour overall title last season,

Home hope Simon Delestre (Hermes Ryan) completed the podium with less than half a second separating the trio in a high-quality competition in perfect evening conditions on the French Riviera.

Fredricson, the silver medalist in the Rio Olympics in individual showjumping, has secured his place in the inaugural Global Champions Super Grand Prix in Prague in December with his victory.

“It’s been a great show on a fantastic course,” said the 46-year-old Fredricson. “I was delighted to beat really quick horses in the jump-off.”

Fredricson was coming off the back of an encouraging fourth in the previous round in St Tropez on the relatively untried 10-year-old bay Hansson WL.

Series leader, Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia, finished down the field in 19th place after racking up eight faults in the first round on California, with all the top five in the overall LGCT rankings failing to make it through on a tough course set by designer Uliano Vezzani.

Of particular disappointment to the crowd, which packed the arena close to La Croissette, was the retirement of top French rider, Kevin Staut.

German veteran Ludger Beerbaum was the first to go in the jump off, riding Casello to a steady clear in 42.55 seconds, but this time was to be beaten by his seven other rivals as the excitement reached fever pitch.

Smolders time looked good enough, although Delestre threatened before Fredricson set the seal on a superb night of showjumping with a fast and immaculate winning clear.

Valkenswaard United tops in Cannes

Earlier Saturday saw the Valkenswaard United pair of Alberto Zorzi and Jur Vrieling claim the Global Champions League competition to boost their chances in the overall standings.

Vrieling’s quick and clear round on VDL Glasgow v. Merelsnest N.O.P laid down an early marker, which the other teams were unable match.

Miami Celtics, with Jessica Springsteen and Cameron Hanley took second place, with the experienced pair of John Whitaker and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (Cascais Charms) in third place after a tight contest.

London Knights lead the overall standings, but United have closed the gap to just five points with Shanghai Swans remaining in third with the Celtics just six further points adrift.

The tour action now heads to Cascais in Portugal next weekend.