Jumping fans will still vividly remember how Julien Epaillard and Donatello d’Auge won the Amsterdam leg of the World Cup three years ago. At the 65th edition of Jumping Amsterdam, the French “Formula 1 pilot” added a few more unforgettable moments to that memory. Once again, it was Julien Epaillard who allowed no opposition with his self-bred son of Jarnac, stopping the clock at 0/39.87 to win the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup presented by RAI Amsterdam. Alain Jufer was best of the rest with Dante MM (by Diarado) in 0/41.58, followed by Niels Bruynseels and Delux van T&L in 0/42.91.

A packed RAI

One victory is not the same as another, and that was clear once again today in a sold-out RAI. Thousands of equestrian fans enjoyed far more than just top-level show jumping. Swaying, stamping and applauding, Jumping Amsterdam turned into a true celebration, with equestrian sport at its heart, driven by the exceptional level of competition.

A bold plan

This victory by Julien Epaillard was more than just a winning round. That became clear in the attempt by Switzerland’s Alain Jufer, who took enormous risks on two long lines with Dante MM, a horse that executed his rider’s bold plan faultlessly. Under normal circumstances, it would have been enough for victory. Not, however, when Julien Epaillard and Donatello d’Auge are at their very best.

Like an arrow from the bow

Dozens of metres before crossing the start line, the French duo were already racing through the RAI at full speed. Donatello knew exactly what was required. Like an arrow released from a bow, he flew through the course, slipping over the rails like an eel. As the only combination, the World Cup winner broke the 40-second barrier.

Emmen faster than Greve

There was no answer to this unleashed French pair, not even from the Dutch riders. Kim Emmen and Imagine N.O.P. finished ahead of Willem Greve and Pretty Woman van ’t Paradijs. Both had a rail in the jump-off, but Emmen, in seventh place, was just a fraction faster than Greve in eighth.

“Start very fast”

“I thought: I’ll just start very fast,” Julien Epaillard said as he was presented with the Longines sash. “And then I push on.”It was a simple explanation for a style of riding none of his competitors can replicate. “A competition is always different when Julien is in it,” said Alain Jufer, number two in the standings. “I did everything I could. Our chef d’équipe Peter van der Waaij told me mainly to stay clear, but I don’t have many chances in the World Cup, and my horse Dante is already 15. So I went all in. But when Julien is your opponent, the competition changes. Then you are very happy with second place.”