This is not the story of an “old couple”: Edwina Alexander (now Mrs Tops since 17 September) and the young Vleut have only known each other since August, but they have already achieved some fabulous results. As of  tonight they can proudly claim to being the winners of one of the two major classes in the 5* show-jumping events in Lyon, the Equita’ Masters by Equidia. Thirteen riders started this high-level class, the twelve best riders of the show based on the FEI Rolex world seeding, as well as the current World Champion, the Belgian rider Philippe Le Jeune and Boyante de Muze, who finished in fourth place having knocked a pole down in the first round.

In order to win tonight, the riders had not only to jump clear rounds; they also needed to be quick. Only two of them successfully made it through the first round with all the poles still in their cups: the Irish star Denis Lynch and the Australian Edwina, both of them riding very young horses aged 8 and 9 years old. Denis Lynch could not to take all the risks, but ensured a second clear round with his spectacular horse Contflex (55.85). Edwina just had to do exactly the same thing, but a tiny bit faster: “At first I did not know which horse I was going to jump, but then I decided to save Itot du Château for tomorrow, for the World Cup. It’s my first Grand Prix with this horse and at the age of 9 he is still quite young. He already participated in a few Grand Prix at two or three stars level, some with Maikel van der Vleuten and some with Eric van der Vleuten, but this was his first class at 1,60m. Both van der Vleutens bred the horse and brought him up. I was very fortunate as we bought him just after Valkenswaard and I think this is my fourth or fifth show with Vleut, I am not even sure – there haven’t been too many so far (laughs). I have only had him for about three months. The course today was rather delicate than massive… there were some big jumps and big, wide oxers… I had several options for some lines, and for me it was great, I’m very happy with the result.”