Chantilly, France – July 11, 2025 – The 25-year-old Californian rider, already seen shining at 5* level, claimed the main class of the day on Friday afternoon: the €56,800 Département de L’Oise Prize CSI 4*. Riding the phenomenal Qannando B & V, a striking dark bay stallion by the great Kannan, Alessandra Volpi (USA) didn’t hesitate to launch herself at full speed in the jump-off. A talented young horse (just nine years old), Qannando is the kind one can truly trust when the pace quickens, a pair to watch closely on the road to top-level sport.

On this second day, the horses appeared more settled and confident amid the majestic surroundings of the Grandes Écuries. The footing, too, seemed even springier than the day before: Qannando B & V, for instance, had two fences down in Thursday’s class, but delivered a dominant round today. Once again, the course featured thirteen obstacles, but sixteen jumping efforts this time, including a triple combination. The result: sixteen clears for a seven-fence jump-off including one double.

For a time, the class looked like it might fizzle out: first to go, Belgium’s Rik Hemeryck (BEL) and Inoui du Seigneur stopped the clock in 43.10 seconds : a time no one could beat without risking a rail.

Then, later, came Alessandra Volpi (USA), bold and relaxed, with a horse that seems both fearless and allergic to wood. “During the course walk, I told my coach Markus Beerbaum that I liked the jump-off. It really suited Qannando: he loves big open arenas. I trusted his strengths and took a few chances… and he was right there with me,” she said with a smile. At just nine, Qannando is still young at this level. How far does she think he can go? “My goal? Everything! He’s very special. I always try to bring my horses to the top, and I truly believe I’ll get there with him. He’s stepped up this year, and I know we’re on the right path.”

This is Alessandra’s second time in Chantilly: “Last year, I already thought this place was stunning. The organisers do a great job, and it just feels great to jump here. The footing has clearly improved since last year.”

For the past two years, Alessandra has split her time between Florida – where she winters in Wellington for the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) – and Thedinghausen, Germany, where she trains with Meredith and Markus Beerbaum. Markus sees real potential in her: “I’m convinced she’ll go far. We’ve made real progress together. When she came to us, she was ranked beyond 350th in the world. Now she’s 67th. She has an outstanding string of horses, and that’s key in our sport. She’s not relying on just one horse. They’re all improving, and so is she. Our aim is to see her represent the U.S. in major championships. It’s a realistic goal. She’s already proved herself like in the Nations League in Rotterdam, in the World Cup Final in Basel with Gipsy Love. She’s shown she has the level, now she just needs to consolidate her experience. And Qannando, even at nine, already has what it takes to be a championship horse. So yes, we’re very optimistic about the future.”

A future star rider and a future star horse: both impressed this Friday afternoon by winning the Prix du Département de l’Oise. Will they confirm on Sunday in the Grand Prix de la Ville de Chantilly?

More seasoned, Luxembourg’s Odile Gierech (LUX) claimed second place at the end of the class with Quentao JW van de Moerhoeve, just edging out a disappointed but still serious candidate for Sunday’s Grand Prix: Rik Hemeryck (BEL).

Saturday’s highlight: the Grand Prix de la Laiterie Le Montaigu (1.45m with jump-off), along with seven other classes and a full day of activities that make the Chantilly Classic so special, a show that delights both top riders and the public alike.

Final Results – €56,800 Département de L’Oise Prize CSI 4* – 1.50m

1) Alessandra Volpi (USA) & Qannando B & V – 0 / 0 – 41.10

2) Odile Gierech (LUX) & Quentao JW van de Moerhoeve – 0 / 0 – 41.65

3) Rik Hemeryck (BEL) & Inoui du Seigneur – 0 / 0 – 43.10

Source: Press Release from Agence R&B Presse for Chantilly Classic

Photos: © Grand Prix Events / Sportfot

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