Jessica Burke makes history in Bordeaux
Ireland’s Jessica Burke delivered a career-defining performance yesterday evening at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in Bordeaux, claiming a fairytale victory aboard the impressive grey Good Star du Bary and writing her name into the history books.
In doing so, Burke became the first female athlete ever to win the Bordeaux World Cup, producing the only double-clear performance of the competition with the 10-year-old gelding.
The result was all the more remarkable given the partnership’s relative inexperience at this level. Burke and Good Star du Bary have made just six World Cup appearances together, with yesterday’s round marking their first clear — and they chose the perfect stage on which to deliver it.
“It’s my first World Cup and my first five-star win,” Burke said afterwards. “My horse is only ten, and this was just his sixth World Cup. We’ve had five rounds with one fence down, but yesterday we were clear. To have patience and wait for your day to come is very hard — I don’t think it has sunk in yet.”
A demanding test in Bordeaux
The atmosphere inside the packed arena was electric as French course designer Yann Royant presented a delicate and technical first-round track of 13 obstacles, with the triple combination at fence eight proving influential throughout the class.
Reigning World Cup champions Julien Epaillard and Donatello d’Auge were among those caught out, lowering two rails — including one at the first element of the triple — to the disappointment of the home crowd.
The tight time allowed of 75 seconds also played a decisive role. Clear rounds from Max Kühner, Jodie Hall McAteer and Jordy van Massenhove were all accompanied by a single time fault, ruling them out of the jump-off.
Germany’s Tom Schewe produced the first clear of the evening with Congress Blue PS, stopping the clock well inside the time in 73.43 seconds. Fellow German Daniel Deusser followed later with another fault-free round aboard Otello de Guldenboom, joining Schewe in the four-strong jump-off alongside Yuri Mansur and Burke.
Jump-off drama
Schewe was first to return to the ring and set an early benchmark of 38.00 seconds, but four faults at the second fence opened the door. Deusser was unable to repeat his Verona jump-off success, also finishing on four faults after clipping the final rail.
Mansur and the experienced Vitiki looked competitive, but a tight turn proved costly, leaving Burke as the final rider to go.
With the arena silent, Burke and Good Star du Bary delivered a composed, fluent round, leaving every rail intact and crossing the finish in 42.40 seconds — enough to secure an unforgettable victory.
“He is the best horse I’ve ever had,” Burke said. “He has a massive heart and is incredibly special. There aren’t many horses like him, and I’m very lucky to have him. I only have one horse at this level.”
A milestone moment
The win marked not only Burke’s first major international title, but also a deeply personal milestone.
“It’s very emotional,” she said. “My owner is here for his 60th birthday with his family, and my own family is here too. That makes it incredibly special.”
Deusser finished second, with Schewe claiming third to secure his first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup podium.
The result moves Burke up to seventh on the Western European League standings with 46 points, putting her firmly on course for qualification to the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Fort Worth (USA).
Defending champion Epaillard remains at the top of the leaderboard on 69 points, with Kühner now second on 64. The penultimate qualifying leg of the series takes place in Göteborg in two weeks’ time.
FEATURE IMAGE: Jessica Burke (IRL) and Good Star du Bary – winners of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2025/26 – Bordeaux (FRA)