There are few sights in sport as breathtaking as horses flying beneath the ancient ruins of the Circus Maximus — and on Saturday, Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf gave the Roman crowd a performance to remember. Riding his trusted partner Doha de Riverland, Bettendorf clinched victory in the CSI5 1.50m Jump-Off class at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rome, delivering a masterclass of speed, precision, and nerve amid an atmosphere charged with history and passion.
The Roman sunshine bathed the arena in golden light as thousands packed into the stands, their cheers rising between the ruins that once echoed to the roar of chariots. This time, it was horsepower of a different kind, and Bettendorf harnessed it to perfection, stealing the show in an unforgettable contest that celebrated the magic of modern show jumping in one of the world’s most iconic venues.
A Thrilling Duel at the Circus Maximus
The class unfolded as a sporting drama worthy of its setting. Fifteen of the world’s finest riders took on Uliano Vezzani’s technical yet inviting track — a course that rewarded bravery and punished hesitation. The early pace was set by Great Britain’s Robert Murphy, whose clear round in 38.98 seconds gave others a target to chase.
The tone shifted as Hans-Dieter Dreher aboard Elysium shaved crucial fractions off Murphy’s time, only to be bettered moments later by France’s crowd-favourite Simon Delestre and his electric young mount Castanha van het Beeckhof Z, who stormed to the top in 37.38 seconds.
But when Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs entered aboard L&L Lorde, the intensity went up a notch. Fresh from victory in Vienna, Fuchs produced a flawless, lightning-fast round in 35.03 seconds, igniting the crowd and setting what looked an unbeatable benchmark.
Then came the final challenger — Victor Bettendorf, no stranger to Roman glory after his Grand Prix win here in 2024. With the crowd holding its breath, Bettendorf and Doha de Riverland attacked the course with daring precision. The pair flew over every obstacle, turning impossibly tight, and when they landed over the last fence, the clock stopped at 34.74 seconds. The arena erupted.
Emotions, Applause, and the Glory of Rome
Bettendorf’s celebration was pure joy. “Rome is one of the most beautiful events in the world,” he told GCTV, his smile as bright as the afternoon sun. “To win here again is special. The Circus Maximus has such unique energy — I’m incredibly proud of Doha de Riverland and how he performed today.”
Behind Bettendorf, Martin Fuchs claimed a superb second, with Germany’s Katrin Eckermann and her ever-reliable Chao Lee taking third. Simon Delestre and Castanha van het Beeckhof Z finished fourth, followed by Hans-Dieter Dreher in fifth — all within a heartbeat of each other in one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.
The Spirit of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rome
There was a sense of something timeless about the afternoon — horses galloping where gladiators once fought, the spirit of competition echoing across centuries. The Longines Global Champions Tour of Rome once again proved that no other venue blends history and sport quite like the Eternal City.
As the sun set over the Circus Maximus, thoughts turned to Sunday’s headline event — the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome, where the world’s elite will once again battle for glory in the shadow of history.
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