GERMANY’s Daniel Deusser made the perfect comeback to the top level of sport with his loyal mount Cornet d’Amour when winning the Longines Masters Grand Prix of Paris last Sunday.

Following a long time away from the arena, including missing the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Stephex Stables’ Cornet d’Amour (Cornet Obolensky x Damiani) was jumping just his first Grand Prix back at this level when he raced to victory amongst a star studded field.

Thirty five combinations started over Louis Konickx’s big track, and 12 of those made it through to the timed round in the €300,000 class.

Mid-way to go in the jump-off, Deusser broke the beam in 37.95 seconds to take the lead. He had an anxious wait as the in-form Simon Delestre and Hermes Ryan took it on, but they just missed out on the time in 38.08 seconds for the runner-up position.

America’s Lauren Hough slotted into third place with the wonderful mare Ohlala (0/0 38.62). Seven riders jumped a second clear against the clock in what was a hugely competitive jump-off.

“I’m so, so happy,” Deusser said. “My horse was jumping in his first Grand Prix after several months off and a handful of small warm-up events. Our sport is about carefully dosing speed and risk.

“When the fastest go last, how do you know what risks to take? I made the right choice today and now I’m looking forward to Hong Kong.”

RIDERS MASTERS CUP

The inaugural Riders Masters Cup took place on Saturday night. The team competition between America and Europe proved to be a thrilling competition, with Europe eventually winning out by nine points to six.

Created by EEM in partnership with the European Equestrian Federation and Longines, the competition pitted the world’s greatest show jumping nations against each other. America were led by team chef d’equipe Robert Ridlan, with Devin Ryan (Cooper), Chloe Reid (Sally 643), Laura Kraut (Viper Vrombautshoeve Z), Reed Kessler (KS Stakki) and Lauren Hough (Waterford) lining out.

The Europeans were headed by French chef d’equipe Philippe Guerdat, with Kevin Staut (Ayade de Septon*HDC), Maikel van der Vleuten (Dana Blue), Grégory Wathelet (MJT Nevados S), Jos Verlooy (Igor) and Lorenzo de Luca (Jeunesse van’t Paradijs).

The next leg of the Riders Master Cup will take place in New York at the end of April 2018, followed by Hong Kong.