The equestrian events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games took place in the majestic setting of the Château de Versailles.

French riders qualified

French riders Julien Épaillard and Simon Delestre qualified for the individual show jumping final at the Paris 2024 Games on Monday, August 5th. Épaillard even took the top spot in the qualifiers. However, it’s the end of the road for Olivier Perreau, who finished only 38th.

After the team show jumping competition, where France won the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, it was time for the individual competition. Three French riders competed in the qualifiers on this first day, Monday, August 5th.

Riding Dubaï du Cèdre, Julien Épaillard confirmed his status as a medal favorite. The French rider completed a faultless round within the time limit (73.07 seconds), taking first place in the qualifiers ahead of two Irishmen: Shane Sweetnam (James Kann Cruz) and Daniel Coyle (Legacy).

Before him, Olivier Perreau (GL Event Dorai d’Aiguilly) and Simon Delestre (I Amelusina R 51) both made one fault (4 points). With a good time (72.64 seconds), Simon Delestre secured 25th place and will also compete on Tuesday, August 6th. Unfortunately, Olivier Perreau (76.94 seconds) finished only 38th.

Among the favorites, the Swiss riders Martin Fuchs (5th) and Steve Guerdat (6th), Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann, the world number 1 (7th), and British rider Scott Brash (12th) all performed well. Reigning Olympic champion Ben Maher had a scare (28th) but will still be in the final.

However, American McLain Ward, ranked 15th globally, and Swedish rider Peder Fredricson, ranked 14th, were eliminated. The final will take place on Tuesday, August 6th at 10:00 AM.

List of qualifiers for the final:

• Julien Épaillard (FRA, Dubaï du Cèdre)
• Shane Sweetnam (IRL, James Kann Cruz)
• Daniel Coyle (IRL, Legacy)
• Harrie Smolders (NED, Uricas V/D Kattevennen)
• Martin Fuchs (SUI, Leone Jei)
• Steve Guerdat (SUI, Dyanamix de Belheme)
• Henrik von Eckermann (SWE, King Edward)
• Emanuele Camilli (ITA, Odense Odeveld)
• Kim Emmen (NED, Imagine)
• Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA, Ventago)
• Harry Charles (GBR, Romeo 88)
• Scott Brash (GBR, Jefferson)
• Stephan de Freitas Barcha (BRA, Primavera)
• Victoria Gulliksen (NOR, Mistral van de Vogelzang)
• Gilles Thomas (BEL, Ermitage Kalone)
• Karl Cook (USA, Caracole de la Roque)
• Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA, Major Tom)
• Andres Azcarraga (MEX, Contendros 2)
• Ramzy Al Duhami (KSA, Untouchable 32)
• Takashi Haase Shibayama (JPN, Karamell M & M)
• Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE, Enjoy de la Mure)
• Maikel van der Vleuten (NED, Beauville Z)
• Gregory Wathelet (BEL, Bond Jamesbond de Hay)
• Christian Kukuk (GER, Checker 47)
• Simon Delestre (FRA, I Amelusina R51)
• Max Kuehner (AUT, Elektric Blue)
• Laura Kraut (USA, Baloutinue)
• Ben Maher (GBR, Dallas Vegas Batilly)
• Jose Maria Larocca Jr (ARG, Finn Lente)
• Philipp Weishaupt (GER, Zineday)