Richard Vogel (GER) on United Touch S flew to victory in the FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier in Lyon (FRA) this evening, wowing the crowd in the process. Vogel modestly gave all credit to his horse, United Touch S as he finished his jump-off round, gesturing to his partner, signalling to the crowd that it was United Touch S’s talent that made the win possible. “He was exceptional from the first round,” Vogel said, “Especially on the second jump, he showed his incredible skill. I’m thrilled we could pull this off today.”
The competition was fierce, and the local contingent brought strong performances in front of their home crowd at Eurexpo Arena as ‒ with 15 French contenders in the field ‒ two pushed their way into the jump-off. Julien Anquetin (FRA), known for his speed, was the first rider to qualify. Riding Blood Diamond du Pont, he took fourth place, while Cedric Hurel (FRA) and Fantasio Floreval Z secured sixth. Anquetin was pleased, despite the challenge. “I entered the arena knowing that there were strong riders behind me, so I knew I had to be fast. They were just faster than me today. I need to work harder to be faster. But, above all, this is my first time clear in the Grand Prix, so I am really pleased. It is incredible to have a good result here.”
The course, designed by Grégory Bodo (FRA), tested every rider’s ability to balance speed with technique. A challenging 14-obstacle course demanded a deft touch, and Bodo’s tight time allowed of 78 seconds kept the athletes well focused. In a bold move, Vogel cut an incredible shortcut to the oxer, securing his place in the jump-off. “For many horses, this would be risky,” Vogel admitted, “but United has a lot of scope. I knew this line would save me significant time, which I could use elsewhere on the course” Confident before re-entering for the jump-off, Vogel said, “My horse is in good form and can cut corners well. We’re going to be competitive.” And the pair didn’t disappoint.
Harrie Smolders (NED) was all respect for Vogel, taking second place with his Olympic horse Monaco N.O.P. “This top five here is so close,” he remarked. “The level of competition today is incredibly high. Monaco N.O.P. is a once-in-a-lifetime horse. He loves to be second. Second in the Grand Prix here last Friday and today second in the World Cup. This could not have been better. It was a very strong field this week and it makes me so proud of my horse.”
Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) was clear about his plan before the jump-off: to win. “I have a fast horse (Legend), and I’m going to try to win.” With a difference of less than 0.26 seconds from the winner, he had to settle for third place, which he did with great sportsmanship: “I have a fast horse, but two others were faster.”
After this third qualifier, Gregory Wathelet (BEL) leads the World Cup Western European League standings with 32 points, followed by Yuri Mansur (BRA) with 25. Kevin Staut (FRA) and Steve Guerdat (SUI) each hold 24 points, while Smolders follows closely with 23.
As the series moves to Verona, Italy, on November 10, Vogel will skip this leg but has his sights set on Stuttgart. Leaving Lyon in high spirits, he shared his season’s ambition: “The FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final is my goal this season, and I couldn’t have asked for a better start.”
Full results here.
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