Vive la France

Gaspard Maksud, sixth and best first-timer with Zaragoza, and Nicolas Touzaint, seventh with Absolut Gold HDC, are at very different stages of their careers — the former only had one five-star under his belt prior to coming here, while the latter is a Badminton winner and former world and European champion — but both put in equally eye-catching performances.

Gaspard dropped one rail in the final showjumping phase to finish on a score of 34.4, having put in a storming round across the country yesterday for 3.6 time penalties.

“I’ve had great fun,” smiled the 31-year-old, for whom this result marks a significant career milestone. “I came here meaning business and Zaragoza gave her best from the beginning. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Gaspard kicked off his career by winning the French junior championship at the age of 16. He moved to the UK in 2013 and spent time based with Andrew Nicholson and Sam Griffiths before setting up his own yard at Coombelands in West Sussex. He also successfully competes in pure showjumping, taking part in — and winning — classes up to 1.50m.

Zaragoza is owned by Martin Thurlow and Jane Young and was bred by Jane. She was named EquiRatings Horse of the Year in 2022 and was a member of the bronze medal-winning team at last year’s European Championships where she finished eighth individually.

Gaspard’s compatriot, Nicolas Touzaint, 44, jumped a superb clear on the final day to rise from ninth to seventh with Absolut Gold. This was yet another tick on the 14-year-old gelding’s career highlights list — he finished fifth individually at last year’s European Championships and was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics.