Julien Epaillard delivered a home victory at the Longines Equita Lyon, claiming the second leg of the 2026/27 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League with a remarkable jump-off performance aboard Le Coultre de Muze.
Competing before a home crowd in Lyon, France, the French combination produced a winning time of 38.17 seconds in the decisive round, adding another prestigious victory at the French venue to Epaillard’s previous triumph in 2022.
The competition brought together 40 combinations for the 1.60m World Cup qualifier, with 14 progressing to the jump-off after completing the opening course without penalties. Designed by Santiago Varela, the final test proved a demanding race against the clock, with six combinations picking up faults as they pursued the leading times.
Germany’s Richard Vogel came closest to denying the home favourite, guiding Cloudio across the finish line in 38.20 seconds to secure second place, just 0.03 seconds behind Epaillard. Switzerland’s Edouard Schmitz completed the podium with Gamin van’t Naastveldhof in 38.31 seconds.
Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Point Break finished fourth after a clear jump-off in 38.63 seconds, while the Netherlands’ Willem Greve and Party In de Hus rounded out the top five.
For Epaillard, the result marked another significant moment at one of the season’s established international show jumping venues. Reflecting on the winning performance, the French rider praised his horse’s contribution, describing the jump-off round as exceptional.
The result also carries important implications for the Western European League campaign, as athletes continue their pursuit of qualification for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, in March 2027.
Following the opening qualifier in Oslo, where Austria’s Max Kühner and EIC Up Too Jacco Blue secured the season’s first victory, Epaillard now adds valuable momentum to his campaign with the Lyon result.
The Western European League continues next week in Verona, Italy, as the road to Gothenburg gathers pace.
