Victor Bettendorf’s journey to the pinnacle of show jumping is one of passion, dedication, and a lifetime steeped in equestrian tradition. 34 years old and hailing from Luxembourg, Bettendorf has taken the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) by storm, earning his place among the sport’s elite with a string of extraordinary performances in 2024. Based in France for the past four years with his wife, Bettendorf has grown into a formidable competitor whose talent and focus have captivated the show jumping world.
“I come from a family where we didn’t really have a choice,” Bettendorf laughs. “My mom ran a small riding school, my dad is a vet and a passionate breeder for fifty years now, and both my brother and sister are professional riders. Horses are something that stays in the family.” From humble beginnings at home in Luxembourg to his first plane ride for an international show to the GC Playoffs in Riyadh, Bettendorf’s rise to prominence has been a series of “firsts”—each one building toward his remarkable 2024 campaign.
A Breakthrough LGCT Season
This season has been nothing short of groundbreaking for Bettendorf. Among his many highlights was his unforgettable victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Rome, a performance that would prove pivotal to his season. Reflecting on that moment, Bettendorf admitted: “I was just enjoying myself in the LGCT Grand Prix in Rome. If I’d known I had to win to make it to the LGCT Super Grand Prix, I think I would’ve been more stressed. But since I didn’t, I could just enjoy it and my horse.”
His calm demeanour paid off again in Riyadh at the GC Playoffs, where Bettendorf and his incredible partner Foxy de la Roque delivered a flawless round to claim the 2024 LGCT Super Grand Prix title, and write their names into the history books of elite show jumping. As the last rider to go under the floodlights, he faced immense pressure following in the footsteps of show jumping greats in the class such as Christian Kukuk and Checker 47, Gilles Thomas aboard Ermitage Kalone and Max Kühner with Elektric Blue P. “When I went into the combination, I knew I just had the last line to worry about. I was just having fun out there. It’s unbelievable,” he shared after the win.
The victory marked the pinnacle of Bettendorf’s career. “This is the biggest win of my life,” he said with a mix of disbelief and pride, then questioning the previous winners of the prestigious title and coming to the realisation he had catapulted his name among theirs. His partnership with Foxy de la Roque has been a revelation this season, with the pair capturing five major wins together. “She’s incredible. The one she didn’t win, it was my mistake. When she knows what to do, I just need to let her jump and do her thing—she’s amazing.”
Foxy de la Roque: A Horse of a Lifetime
At the heart of Bettendorf’s success is Foxy de la Roque, recognised as the one of the most talented nine-year-olds in the world. Her rise to stardom has been meticulously managed, with Bettendorf and his team preserving her potential for the biggest stages. “She didn’t do much when she was younger—just some six-year-old classes here and there,” Bettendorf explains. “She only jumped her first ranking class last August. Since then, she just keeps getting better.”
Foxy’s incredible mindset sets her apart. “She’s extremely competitive,” Bettendorf says. “Even if she’s tired, she knows how to fight. She has the biggest heart.” Together, the pair have delivered standout performances in the 5* 1.60m classes, including their electrifying win in the LGCT Grand Prix of Rome and their dominant display in Riyadh in the LGCT Super Grand Prix.
Bettendorf admitted that the season had exceeded even his wildest dreams. “At the beginning of the season, I never imagined Foxy could be this competitive at the highest level,” he revealed. “I only hoped to be competitive in the normal classes, and maybe the Grand Prix as a bonus. I never imagined we’d win it all.”
Sharing a grandsire, Kannan, with the LGCT Super Grand Prix runner-up, Ermitage Kalone ridden by Gilles Thomas, nine-year-old Foxy de la Roque stood out as one of three remarkable nine-year-olds to compete in this prestigious event. Widely recognized as being among the best in the world, Foxy was joined by Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z with Thibeau Spits and Casual DV Z with Pieter Devos. Remarkably, these young stars faced a significant age and experience gap of up to ten years compared to the sixth-place finisher, nineteen-year-old Rockfeller de Pleville Bois Margot, piloted by Eduardo Alvarez Aznar. Their presence underscored the extraordinary promise of this new generation of show jumping talent.
Living the Dream
For Bettendorf, these achievements are the culmination of years of hard work and a dream he once thought unattainable. “A few years ago, I never believed I’d be here,” he said. “I was always dreaming about it but never thought I’d achieve it. Now, I’m trying to enjoy every moment and make the most of it.”
Victor Bettendorf and Foxy de la Roque have written their names into the history books, captivating fans with their exceptional partnership. As Bettendorf humbly reflects, “I just try to focus, let her do her thing, and enjoy the ride.” With talent, determination, and an extraordinary horse, this duo’s journey is only just beginning.
Hall of Fame – Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix
2018
Edwina Tops Alexander & California
2019
Ben Maher & Explosion W
2021
Henrik von Eckermann & King Edward
2022
Daniel Deusser & Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z
2023
Julien Epillard & Dubai du Cedre
2024
Victor Bettendorf & Foxy de la Roque
Horse Profile
Foxy De La Roque
Age: 9
Sex: Mare
DOB: 30/04/2015
Sire: Armitages Boy
Dam: Samba De La Roque
