La Baule, France – June 08, 2025 – Mclain Ward (USA) flew high in the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule CSIO 5*, the grade finale of four exceptional days of spectacular sport at the Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France.

Once again the crowded stands at the François André stadium were buzzing up to the last minute and the last passage of the eight riders contesting the ride-off on the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, an incredibly competitive event with seven of the world’s top ten and nine Olympic Gold medallists in the field of 50 riders.

When McLain Ward (USA) took off with Imperial HBF, Pedro Veniss (BRA) had been sittion on top of the leaderboard with Nimrod de Muze Império Egípcio. Ward was more agressive aboard the 2013 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Glasgow vh Merelsnest x Original VDL), taking over the lead before going on to finish third.

Satisfaction was also the watchword for world number five and team Olympic Champion in 2004 and 2008, Mclain Ward (USA), who finished third on Imperial HBF, the former horse of Tim Gredley. “I could have perhaps gained several tenths of a second but Daniel was too good today,” he explained. “I haven’t been riding Imperial for that long – it was just our third competition together. He’s shown that he is capable of great results, such as at the Nations Cup in Rome with a double clear round. As a result, this podium finish is a great joy, especially here in La Baule at a wonderful competition in front of outstanding crowds”. 

Final Results – €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule CSIO 5*

1) Daniel Deusser (GER) & Otello de Guldenboom – 0 / 0 – 37.22

2) Rene Lopez Lizarazo (COL) & Londina – 0 / 0 – 38.36

3) Mclain Ward (USA) & Imperial HBF – 0 / 0 – 39.17

Source: Press Release (edited) from Rolex Jumping International de La Baule

Photos: © PSV Photo

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