Oliva Nova, Spain – January 21, 2026 – Known as one of the fastest riders in the world, Victor Bettendorf (LUX) lived up to his reputation on Friday at the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour (MET), teaming up with Encore Toi du Linon for victory in the €30,100 Grand Prix Qualifier for the Jopack Trophy CSI 3*.
Fifty-five combinations entered the ring to face the 1.45m obstacles of the speed contest and nine of them managed to overcome all of them in flawless fashion and complete the course within the time allowed of 71 seconds. In the end, it was Bettendorf who blazed past the competition aboard the 2014 bay Selle Français mare (Kannan x Desir du Chateau), doing so in 60.44 seconds.
The competition for the win was fierce and the difference between the top two combinations was a proof of that. An outstanding rider himself, Jérôme Guery (BEL) gave Victor a run for his money, finish only four-hundreths of a second behind the winners with Qartouche de La Pomme d’Or.
Jörne Sprehe (GER) and Toys were not too far off the winning mark, rounding out the top three in 60.56 seconds.
Final Results – €30,100 Grand Prix Qualifier Jopack Trophy CSI 3* – 1.45m
1) Victor Bettendorf (LUX) & Encore Toi du Linon – 0 – 60.40
2) Jérôme Guery (BEL) & Qartouche de La Pomme d’Or – 0 – 60.44
3) Jörne Sprehe (GER) & Toys – 0 – 60.56
Source: Mediterranean Equestrian Tour
Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.
Photos: © MET / http://www.1clicphoto.com by Hervé Bonnaud
