Galway Show Jumper Jessica Burke has beaten off a world-class field to score an outstanding victory in tonight's (Saturday) five-star Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Grand Prix at Bordeaux in France.
Riding the 10-year-old gelding Good Star Du Bary, 34-year-old Burke was among just four riders from the 35-strong start-list who managed to jump clear in the first round. Last to go in the jump-off, Burke kept her composure to deliver the only double clear of the competition and take the winner's prize of €69,000.
Germany's Daniel Deusser finished as runner-up with Otello de Guldenboom with the fastest four-fault score of the jump-off, while third place went to another German rider, Tom Schewe with Congress Blue PS. The only other clear from the first round came from Brazil's Yuri Mansur and Vitiki, who claimed fourth place at the finish.
Speaking emotionally after the event, Jessica said: "I don't think it has sunk in yet, to be honest. It's amazing, my first-ever five-star World Cup Grand Prix win. Bordeaux is a lucky place for me. I was here only once before two years ago, and I won leading rider. This horse [Good Star Du Bary] has been so close all the time. I was hoping for a top-five finish, but I didn't think I could win, so I am delighted".
"He is just amazing, the best horse I have ever ridden. You watch him jump 1m30, and you would say that was all he can jump, but I always knew he could do anything and is just something special. His owner, Liam (Nicholas), it's his 60th birthday, he is here this weekend with all his family, and a lot of my family are here and my best friend, so it's a bit emotional," a delighted Burke concluded.
The result means Jessica Burke has qualified for April's Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
Asked if the World Cup Finals are now on her mind, Jessica replied: "Definitely. With today's result, it looks like we will be able to go there. That was the plan, I really wanted to get my qualification for Texas, so yes, really looking forward to it."
