The French pair set the tone with a total of two jumping faults in a time of 40.79 seconds. It was compatriot Guillaume Foutrier who produced the first clear jump-off abboard his 9-year-old Valdocco des Caps (Number One d'Iso).
Martin Fuchs unbeatable
Eventually it was a roller coaster of fast jump-off rounds. Martin Fuchs set the record time with his 12-year-old Cornet Obolensky-son, Clooney. After a clear finish in 37.25 seconds, the pair advanced about half a second on Italy's Lorenzo de Luca with the 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Ensor de Litrange LXII (Nabab de Reve).
Steve Guerdat completed the stage with his 12-year-old Bianca (Balou du Rouet). The top five was completed by Dutch Maikel van der Vleuten aboard the 10-year-old KWPN-mare, Dana Blue (Mr. Blue) in fourth and Kevin STaut with For Joy van 't Zorgvliet HDC (For Pleasure).
REsults