Historic Night in Bordeaux as Burke Claims Landmark World Cup Victory
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ leg in Bordeaux delivered an evening of high tension and technical brilliance, culminating in a historic victory for Ireland’s Jessica Burke, who became the first female rider to win at the venue.
Set by French course designer Yann Royant, the opening round posed searching questions from the outset. Thirteen fences, a demanding triple combination at fence eight, and a tight time allowed of 75 seconds ensured that precision and composure were non-negotiable. Even the most experienced combinations were tested, with faults spread throughout the field.
Reigning World Cup champions Julien Epaillard and Donatello d’Auge endured an uncharacteristic round, lowering rails at the triple and the final fence, setting the tone for a competition that would not yield easily.
Only four combinations progressed to the jump-off, underscoring the difficulty of the track. Clear rounds inside the time proved elusive, and when the jump-off arrived, margins were slim and pressure unmistakable.
Germany’s Tom Schewe set the initial target but left the door open with four faults. Daniel Deusser followed, unable to repeat his Verona success after a rail fell at the final fence. Yuri Mansur and Vitiki were next, but a tight turn proved costly.
The atmosphere shifted as Burke entered the arena with the 10-year-old Good Star du Bary. Calm, measured, and decisive, the pair delivered a faultless round, stopping the clock in 42.40 seconds - not the fastest time, but the only clear. It was enough.
“He is the best horse I’ve ever had,” Burke said afterwards. “He has a massive heart, and I’m very lucky to have him. I only have one horse at this level.”
For Burke, a former schoolteacher who has been competing professionally for just six years, the win marked the first major victory of her career, achieved in front of family, owners, and a packed Bordeaux crowd.
“It’s a very emotional win,” she said. “My owner is here celebrating his 60th birthday, and my family is here too. That makes it very special.”
Daniel Deusser secured second place, with Tom Schewe claiming third and his first World Cup podium finish.
The result lifts Burke to seventh on the Western European League leaderboard with 46 points, placing her firmly on course for qualification to the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Fort Worth.
“With today’s result, qualification should be secure,” she said. “That has been the goal for a while.”
At the top of the standings, Julien Epaillard remains in pole position on 69 points, with Max Kühner now second on 64. The penultimate qualifying leg takes place in Gothenburg in two weeks’ time.
For Bordeaux, however, the story will be remembered for something more enduring: a composed, authoritative performance that redefined what the top step of that podium looks like - Go Jessica!!!!
