Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We now have the full entry list for the final CCI5* of the season, held in France at Les 5 Etoiles de Pau from October 24-27. A record-setting roster of 80 combinations, an increase from 2023, will tackle this unique track that, while it doesn’t feature the grueling terrain of some of its 5* counterparts, presents a technical challenge in an atmosphere full of rowdy spectators. Pierre Michelet, the cross country designer for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, returns as designer in residence for this edition of Pau.
Featuring on the roster are last year’s Pau champions, Ros Canter and Izilot DHI, who will return to defend their title after collecting a handful of wins and podium finishes at the 4* level since. They did start two other 5*s this year, at both Badminton and Burghley, but ran into difficulty on cross country in both instances and retired on course rather than push for a completion. It’s highly likely that this will be your first-phase leader, having scored a jaw-dropping 19.9 at Burghley last month and averaging scores in the low 20s otherwise. If Ros and “Isaac” can put those pieces together in France, they could be looking at a rare repeat title.
Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Ros’ fellow Brits represent about 40% of the entries at Pau, underscoring once more just how much depth the reigning Olympic champions have waiting in the wings. The British contingent features pairs such as Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick, Emily King and Valmy Biats, Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ, Piggy March and Halo, Tom McEwen with 5* debutant MHS Brown Jack as well as Brookfield Quality, who started Luhmühlen but did not complete that first 5* start. Oliver Townend is also slated to ride three horses in Kentucky champion Cooley Rosalent, and 5* debutants Crazy du Loir and En Taro des Vernier. For the British we’ll also see the return of Ben Hobday and Shadow Man‘s partnership; you’ll recall Ben “lent” Shadow Man to Australian rider Chris Burton for the Paris Olympics. That gamble paid off in spades, earning Chris an individual silver medal. For his part, Ben has focused heavily on show jumping since his last 5* start at Badminton in 2022 with this horse and makes his first return to the level since then.
The French are also sending a healthy contingent to their home 5*, with nine combinations entered, including the oldest horse in the field in 17-year-old Toronto d’Aurois, making his ninth 5* start with Arthur Duffort in the irons and their first time back at Pau since 2021.
Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (NZL). Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’ll also see strong showings from the Kiwis, who are sending nine combinations including 2021 Pau winner Tim Price, who brings forward the 10-year-old Jarillo for his first 5*. Paris Olympians Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park will also contest this event — a first true 5* for this horse, in fact, as he’s primarily been aimed at championships and competed both in Paris as well as in Pratoni at World Championships in 2022.
Ireland is another country sending forward a strong number of competitors, with 11 pairs entered, including Paris Olympian Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson, Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit, and Felicity Ward with Regal Bounty.
Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
For the USA, Paris Olympians Boyd Martin and Will Coleman will be the sole representatives, bringing Fedarman B (Boyd’s Paris partner) and Miss Lulu Herself (making her 5* debut), and Off the Record (Will’s Pratoni and CHIO Aachen partner). The U.S. may have a small contingent, but both Fedarman B and Off the Record in particular are strong 5* horses with a good shot at a podium finish in France.
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
This is, of course, not a comprehensive preview — we’ll have that coming in our Form Guide the week of the event. In the meantime, the full entry list can be found here.
Pau is introducing its own live stream this year as well. For roughly $26 USD, you can access the full live feed throughout the weekend. You can view more information here.
We’ll have much more coming your way as this final 5* of the year approaches, and as always Tilly Berendt will be our eyes and ears on the ground for our full coverage all weekend. Stay tuned, and Go Eventing.
Les 5 Etoiles de Pau: [Website] [Entries] [Live Stream]
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