April 3, 2025 
Last year’s runner up in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final is this year’s leader on day one of the annual individual championship.
Speed specialist and 2024 World Cup Final silver medalist Julien Epaillard raced to the top of the leaderboard on Thursday aboard 12-year-old homebred Selle Français Donatello d’Auge. The pair stopped the clock on the opening speed course in 60.30 seconds.
“My horse jumped super today,” said Epaillard. “I followed my plan.”
Competing under Table C rules, day one is a test of speed and handiness, with three seconds added to the time for every fence down. Day two is a 1.60m Table A jump off competition.
“I hope I didn’t open my horse too much today,” he continued.
“It’s important to be clear tomorrow, of course, for the rest of the competition. We still have a tough jump to do, but it’s good to have a great start.”
Just 0.13 seconds behind the leader despite competing with a broken foot is three-time Olympic medalist Ben Maher (GBR) on Point Break. World Cup debutant Lillie Keenan (USA) sits in third with Kick On with the only other sub 61 second time of 60.69.
“I couldn’t ask for more,” said the 29-year old, noting that she felt more euphoric than nervous on entering the arena for her first World Cup Final.
“If I do my job, we will be just fine. I’m definitely feeling like I’m in a strong position.”
Thirty-nine combos representing 22 nations tackled Gérard Lachat’s opening course in the St. Jakobshalle arena on the first day of the World Cup Finals, which also include Dressage and Vaulting.
Thursday’s times convert to points and carry forward to Day 2 on Friday at 8:15pm local time. The medals will be decided in two rounds of Jumping.
All championship competition at the 2024/2025 World Cup Finals stream live on FEI TV.
