GIRLS POWER ON THE ROCK On Friday, the Cannes Stars, composed of German rider Sophie Hinners and Dutch rider Kim Emmen, clinched the GCL title, a highlight of the Longines Global Champions Tour - Jumping International de Monte-Carlo, the tenth leg of the international circuit. The world's best riders will gather this Saturday for the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco, aiming to succeed French rider Julien Épaillard.
Not a second did they falter. Not a second did they crack under pressure. As the GCL verdict was pronounced, stepping onto the Port Hercule arena, German rider Sophie Hinners and Dutch rider Kim Emmen, representing the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, had no room for error. Not even a single time fault. Just before them, under the colors of the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team, Belgian riders Niels Bruynseels with Matador and Origi vd Vosberg, and Pieter Devos with Jarina J and Casual DV Z, all delivered double clears, setting the bar to perfection.
Already faultless in the first round, held under the Trophée Le Casino de Monte-Carlo, Sophie Hinners on Iron Dames Singclair (1st round with Kanturo BH) and Kim Emmen on Imagine (1st round with Island V G), committed no faults, even managing to shave off five seconds from the time set by the Belgian duo. With this victory, their third of the season following wins in Doha earlier this year and Saint-Tropez, the Cannes Stars now lead the overall standings of the circuit. "The Prague Lions had put pressure on us," said Sophie Hinners. "We knew we had to go fast. We had to take risks. I tried to stick to my plan while ensuring some jumps were secured. I'm very proud of my horse, or rather my two horses who were incredible, and very happy with my entire team. It's very special to lead the ranking here in Monaco. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be here. My last competition was in Paris where I made a mistake. I really wanted to achieve a double clear." Kim Emmen added, "It's incredible. Sophie had a fantastic round and left me with a bit of time. That was precious because my horse isn't very fast, so I focused on staying clear. We have a great team spirit, and this first place is a great reward." By the end of the first round, only these two teams managed to complete the course without faults. "It's frustrating to have four clears and only be second," confessed Pieter Devos. "But both our horses jumped well. It was a tough course. In Monaco, it's always tough. You have to be in good shape, otherwise, it gets complicated. It's still a beautiful evening."
The third step of the podium is occupied by Valkenwaards United, featuring Australian rider Edwina Tops-Alexander, South African rider Olivier Lazarus, and the eternal Briton John Whitaker, 68 years old, who delivered two superb rounds with Equine America Unick du Francport (0+2).
At "home," the Monaco Aces powered by Lion of Porches, led by Grégory Cottard and Edward Levy, who delivered a faultless performance with Catchar Mail, claimed the sixth position.
Previously leading this leg, the Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses were initially penalized with 8 faults in the first round. The second round, despite the return of Julien Épaillard to the team in place of Olivier Philippaerts, did not improve with first 4 time faults for Jessica Springsteen and then 4 new faults due to a mistake from the Frenchman who came with Donatello d'Auge. With a total of 16 faults, the Stockholm Hearts nevertheless took advantage of the many errors of their opponents to rise to fifth place of the evening. However, they relinquished the overall lead and are now six points behind the Cannes Stars. Winners of the last two stages, the Doha Falcons remain third with a 17-point deficit to the leaders.
Individually, Simon Delestre, already victorious on Thursday in the main event with Olga van de Kruishoeve, once again triumphed, this time with Dexter Fontenis Z, by delivering the fastest of the thirteen faultless rounds of the evening, ahead of Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano on Nikolaj de Music, Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Singclair, and Jeanne Sadran, once again very impressive with Dexter de Kerglenn.
CSI2* AND NATIONAL: MONACO'S STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Earlier in the day, the CSI 2* events highlighted young Monégasque talents with Romane Seret (17 years old) claiming her first international competition victory with Impact du Seigneur in the 1.30m speed class, and Ilana Palmaro (12 years old) on Eloise d'Equart (1.15m). Already a winner on Thursday, Brazilian rider Felipe Coutinho Mendonca Nagata on Monseigneur once again displayed his speed, this time in the 1.40m class. In the National competition, Charlotte Morlot (Turquoise de la Barre) and Rose Difranco (Demeter de la Coudre) also shone by winning the Prix Fédération Équestre de la Principauté de Monaco presented by Cavalleria Toscana, at 0.70m and 1.00m respectively.
GRAND FINALE THIS SATURDAY
The final day of the competition, starting from 9 AM with the National competition events, will undoubtedly be marked by the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco (8:15 PM), featuring €1.5 million in prize money, with €495,000 for the winner. Last year's winner with Donatello d'Auge, French rider Julien Épaillard (world No. 5), will be eager to defend his crown. However, with the presence of some of the world's best riders such as Austrian rider Max Kühner (world No. 3), currently in top form and leading the overall standings of the Longines Global Champions Tour, Simon Delestre (world No. 7), Jeanne Sadran, winner in Paris, and several other members of the elite, the competition promises to be of the highest level. Earlier, CSI 2* riders will have competed for the 3 Grand Prix Institut Esthederm.