Galway show jumper Jessica Burke became the first woman to win the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Grand Prix in Bordeaux, France, on February 8, 2026. Riding Good Star Du Bary, she delivered the only double clear round in a field of 35 riders. The victory secures her qualification for the World Cup Finals in Texas.
Jessica Burke, a 34-year-old rider from Galway, Ireland, made history on February 8, 2026, by winning the five-star Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Grand Prix at Bordeaux, France. This marked the first time a female athlete has claimed the prestigious title. Burke rode the 10-year-old gelding Good Star Du Bary, owned by Liam Nicholas, who was celebrating his 60th birthday with family present.
In a competitive field of 35 riders, only four achieved clear rounds in the first round, including Burke. She went last in the jump-off and maintained composure to produce the competition's sole double clear, earning the €69,000 winner's prize. Germany's Daniel Deusser finished second on Otello de Guldenboom with the fastest four-fault jump-off, while fellow German Tom Schewe took third on Congress Blue PS. Brazil's Yuri Mansur and Vitiki secured fourth after their clear first-round effort.
An emotional Burke shared her joy post-victory: "I don't think it has sunk in yet to be honest. It's amazing, my first ever five-star World Cup Grand Prix win. Bordeaux is a lucky place for me. I was here only once before two years ago and I won leading rider." She praised her horse: "He is just amazing, the best horse I have ever ridden... I always knew he could do anything and is just something special."
The win qualifies Burke for the Longines FEI World Cup Finals in April at Fort Worth, Texas. She confirmed her excitement: "Definitely. With today's result it looks like we will be able to go there. That was the plan, I really wanted to get my qualification for Texas so yes, really looking forward to it."
Irish Horse Board Director General Alison Corbally congratulated the pair: "Massive congratulations to Jessica Burke and Good Star Du Bary's owner Liam Nicholas on this fantastic World Cup win in Bordeaux. It was a brilliant performance and we wish them the very best of luck at the upcoming World Cup Finals."
