Roger-Yves Bost Wins the 150CM Longines Grand Prix — A Review

On October 18, in the 150CM Longines Grand Prix at the 13th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters, French rider Roger-Yves Bost, paired with "Flynn d'Emm", took the title. An old friend of the Bird's Nest arena, he finally claimed his own championship moment on his sixth appearance.

Photo 1: 150CM Longines Grand Prix Champion Roger-Yves Bost and "Flynn d'Emm"

35.60 seconds — winning through rapport and decision-making

The Grand Prix featured 35 rider-horse combinations, with 9 advancing to the jump-off. Bost and "Flynn d'Emm" completed both rounds with zero penalties, ultimately winning with a jump-off time of 35.60 seconds.

Bost attributed the victory to his partnership with the horse. He was already familiar with "Flynn d'Emm" beforehand and knew its capabilities; over several days of being together and competing, the rapport between horse and rider grew stronger. He admitted that completing such a jump-off would not have been possible without a good horse.

Facing the fast performances of Chen Yuchen and Zhang Xingjia in the jump-off, he chose to save time on the turns and planned to shorten his horse's stride and take one fewer step before the final obstacle. His knowledge of the horse gave him the confidence to make that choice.

Rewatching this jump-off, it is worth shifting your gaze from the moments of soaring over the jumps to the horse's movement between obstacles: how it lands and links to the next jump, how it adjusts through the turns, and where time is gained. These details let us better understand the rider-horse partnership behind those 35.60 seconds.

An Olympic champion, still competing to win

Individual champion at the 2013 European Championships and team gold medalist in show jumping at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bost already has many honors in his career. Today he remains active on the international circuit and has added another victory at the Bird's Nest.

Bost has said in interviews that understanding a horse takes time and depends on daily kindness and care. Looking after them in the stable and paying attention to their physical condition are things he values. The partnership in the arena is built on these day-to-day interactions.

His advice to young riders also begins with loving horses: see the good qualities in your horse, stay positive, and keep going with your feet on the ground.

Photo 2: Roger-Yves Bost, Champion of the 150CM Longines Grand Prix at the 13th Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters

Six trips to the Bird's Nest, witnessing the arena's changes

After first coming to the Bird's Nest in 2014, Bost returned in 2016, 2017, 2023 and 2025. From his first participation to this championship, over twelve years, his connection with the Masters has continued.

He also shared a amusing anecdote: on the morning of the competition day, he looked at photos of past champions and had not yet been among them; now that he has won, his own photo can be added as well.

Bost has experienced the Bird's Nest's grass and sand arenas, and has witnessed the arena's facilities becoming more and more complete. He also noted the progress of Chinese riders: they compete domestically and also go to Europe to gain experience, and both their speed and overall level are improving.

An early birthday gift

Off the field, Bost's humor is equally memorable. Speaking of celebrating the win, he joked that having won the competition, he could now eat chocolate with peace of mind. A joke about chocolate made this Olympic champion seem especially approachable.

His birthday is October 21, and on the day of his victory there were still three days until his 61st birthday. His family also came to the venue to witness the win together. With his birthday approaching, a victory and the company of family added a touch of celebratory joy to this trip to the Bird's Nest.

A leap at just the right time. After many years of competition, Bost still rejoices in a victory. That passion makes us look forward to his next performance in the arena.