Petronella Andersson Goes Clear to Win the €105,500 Equita Masters CSI 5*-W

Lyon, France – November 01, 2025 – Once again, the riders in the €105,500 Equita Masters CSI 5*-W, presented by Hermès Sellier put on a breathtaking show for the public at the Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International. At the end of two thrilling rounds, Sweden’s Petronella Andersson (SWE) took one of the biggest wins of her career riding Odina van Klapscheut. She became just the second female rider to add her name to the prestigious list of winners. The couple finished ahead of two former winners of the event, Julien Épaillard (FRA) on Donatello d’Auge and Grégory Wathelet (BEL) on Special Cera du Maillet Z.

After the traditional photo of all the riders involved in this prestigious evening, the twenty-five best couples in the Longines Grand Prix set about tackling the course, comprising 13 obstacles and 16 difficulties, designed by Grégory Bodo (BEL) in the International Arena. Everyone’s objective was to finish in the top 12 in order to reach the second round. In the end, seven riders from six different countries managed to complete clear rounds on this tricky course.

Among them were two Frenchmen, Julien Épaillard (FRA) and Kevin Staut (FRA), riding his latest recruit, Féline de Hus HDC. Two women riders also managed to do clear rounds: Alessandra Reich (AUT) riding Oeli R and Petronella Andersson (SWE) on Odina van Klapscheut. An effective strategy After a short break, the twelve remaining couples took to the arena again to battle it out over a slightly shorter course. Starting in the reverse order of the initial rankings, everything came down to strategy.

No-one had managed to complete a clear round when Petronella Andersson (SWE), who had ridden a clear round in the first leg, took to the arena again. Without taking too many risks, but making tight turns, the rider from the Stephex Stables masterfully guided her dazzling bay to another clear round in 53.94 seconds. The Swede had managed to put real pressure on her rivals.

The impressive Julien Épaillard (FRA) and Donatello d’Auge pulverised their time (50″48) but a mistake on the final fence, after a super-tight bend, deprived them of a double clear round.

The Belgian rider, Grégory Wathelet (BEL), who won here in 2016, made a mistake on the exit of the double and finished in 53.94 seconds. He had to be content with third place. In just their third competition together, and their first at 1.60m, Kevin Staut (FRA) and Féline de Hus HDC put in a fine performance to finish fourth (4 pts, 54.53 seconds), tied with Belgium’s AnneliesVorsselmans riding C. Kullotie W Z.

This victory means Petronella Andersson (SWE) has added her name to a list of winners that reflects the prestige of the Equita Masters presented by Hermès Sellier.

What they said:
Petronella Andersson (SWE), winner of the Equita Masters presented by Hermès Sellier, riding Odina van Klapscheut: “I know my mare really well, I’ve been riding her since she was 7 years old. She is a very fast and obedient horse. I rode my second round just as I’d planned. Odina has a long gallop, so I chose to take a few strides off on several lines. By starting in the middle of the jump-off, I didn’t need to take too many risks, and in the end that’s what allowed me to win. Grégory Bodo‘s courses are always great fun to ride; he really is one of the best course designers in the world. Lyon is one of my favourite competitions, so I’m delighted to get this win, especially since I got off to a bad start with a fall in the Prix Groupama. But I’ve made up for it now (laughs). Tomorrow, I will be riding in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix with Opaline de W&S. She jumped very well on Friday in the Longines Grand Prix. You never know what will happen in a competition, but if I ride well, my horses generally perform well too.”

Julien Épaillard (FRA), second in the Equita Masters presented by Hermès Sellier, riding Donatello d’Auge: “I’m not really too disappointed. That’s all part of the game. I hesitated to take the option on the last jump, which was difficult, but there were still some great riders behind me, so I opted for this strategy. I’m satisfied with my second place. On Sunday, Fringan de Vesquerie will be starting in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix. Even though he’s still not really competitive at this level, he’s confident enough to do it. It will help him gain experience. Donatello will be able to take a breather before the final events of the season.”

Final Results – €105,500 Equita Masters CSI 5*-W presented by Hermès Sellier

1) Petronella Andersson (SWE) & Odina van Klapscheut – 0 / 0 – 53.94

2) Julien Épaillard (FRA) & Donatello d’Auge – 0 / 4 – 50.48

3) Grégory Wathelet (BEL) & Special Cera du Maillet Z – 0 / 4 – 53.94

Source: Press Release from Longines Equita Lyon

Photos: © PSV Photo / J. Morel

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