Flair Overview Show: October with a Breath of Fresh Flair

Sam Watson and Charlotte Smet review a month of show jumping led by Pieter Devos and his homebred mare Casual DV Z. After six CSI5* Grand Prix and World Cup podiums without a win, she finally won at CSI5* Cairo. The episode covers the season's best clear rates at CSI5* 1.60m, the October Grand Prix winners (nine of the thirteen won at the level for the first time), the jump-off drama at CSI5*-W Lyon, and a tight race at the top of the Elo ratings, where James Kann Cruz sits one point behind King Edward.

Key Discussion Points

• Casual DV Z wins CSI5* Cairo for Pieter Devos. She is an 11-year-old homebred, and Cairo was her seventh CSI5* Grand Prix or World Cup podium of 2026. Since 2010, only six horses have reached seven in a calendar year.
• Charlotte notes that Casual DV Z's podiums came in harder classes than the eight-podium seasons of Greya and James Kann Cruz in 2025.
• Pieter Devos is the standout rider of 2026, with two homebreds (Casual DV Z and Primo DV Z) in the top five for clears against standard at CSI5* 1.60m.
• Lyon jump-off: Julien Epaillard wins a 13-horse jump-off, and Richard Vogel and Claudio finish second.
• Denis Lynch and Cordial have built a strong partnership. Highlights include second in the CSI5* Rabat Grand Prix, one of only two double clears.
• October winners include Abdel Saïd (CSI5* Rome, LGCT), Mark Bluman and Landon (Highlands Cup Grand Prix), Max Kühner (CSI5*-W Oslo), and first CSI5* Grand Prix wins for new partnerships with Henrik von Eckermann, Martin Fuchs and Julien Epaillard.
• An emotional comeback win for Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli.
• Horse of the Year debate: Casual DV Z, Impress-K van't Kattenheye, James Kann Cruz and world champion Dynamix de Belhême are all in contention.
• Get-well wishes to United Touch S.

This show is very kindly supported by FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips. Achieve Equine, LLC develops innovative equine products like the FLAIR Strips. Founded by Jim Chiapetta and Ed Blach, both equine veterinarians, the company focuses on enhancing horse respiratory health and performance. They conduct rigorous research to ensure the efficacy and safety of its products, aiming to support the health and safety of horses and riders. Achieve Equine emphasizes strong relationships, data-driven decisions, and effective solutions in the equine industry. Stayed tuned for what's next from Achieve Equine.

🎙️ Your Hosts: Charlotte Smet & Sam Watson. The EquiRatings Jumping team who live in the numbers, the predictions, and the storylines shaping the sport.

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