Saut Hermès Returns to the Grand Palais
After three years at the Grand Palais Éphémère, the Saut Hermès is back in its iconic venue beneath the stunning glass roof of the Grand Palais. Now in its fifteenth edition, the event brings together 56 riders from 18 nations, along with 20 young talents competing in the Talents Hermès series.
Fuchs Takes the First Win
The competition kicked off with Swiss rider Martin Fuchs, ranked world No.4, claiming the Prix du Grand Palais (1.45m). Riding Commissar Pezi, he edged out Victor Bettendorf (LUX) and Olivier Perreau (FRA) for the first victory of the weekend. Fuchs, thrilled to be back at the Grand Palais, made it clear he wanted to start strong.
Young Talent Shines in the Talents Hermès
In the U25 Talents Hermès class, Ilona Mezzadri (FRA) delivered a standout performance, securing a win aboard Arcy Fou. The young French rider, already a multiple European medalist in pony events, outpaced Dominik Juffinger (AUT) and Claudia Moore (GBR). For Mezzadri, winning at the Grand Palais was a dream come true.
Gilles Thomas Sets the Pace in the Prix Hermès Sellier
Belgian rider Gilles Thomas, riding Qalista DN, stole the show in the Prix Hermès Sellier (1.50m) with a lightning-fast round. He finished over a second ahead of Martin Fuchs (this time on L&L Upgrade) and Kendra Claricia Brinkop (GER). The event served as a key qualifier for Sunday’s Grand Prix Hermès, making every second count.
For Thomas, this win was extra special—it marked his mare’s 5 debut*. The 9-year-old had just returned from a successful Sunshine Tour campaign, and Thomas saw this as the perfect opportunity to test her at the highest level. However, for the Grand Prix, he plans to ride his Olympic mount, Ermitage Kalone.
