A Stellar Performance by Simon Delestre
The 2024 edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour - Monte-Carlo International Jumping kicked off on Thursday with a spectacular display from the world's top riders. This prestigious event marks the tenth leg of the international circuit, culminating in the highly anticipated Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco on Saturday at 8:15 PM, featuring a prize purse of €1.5 million. The opening competitions already treated spectators to a thrilling spectacle, highlighted by French rider Simon Delestre's impressive performance in the day's main event.
The Port Hercule arena resumed its vibrant summer ambiance under the Riviera sun. Amidst the backdrop of luxury yachts dotting the Principality of Monaco, top horse-and-rider combinations delivered thrilling performances on the unique, albeit compact, track. It was an opportunity for all competitors to recalibrate on the challenging course size, setting the stage for the next two days of intense competition.
In the Prix Fédération Équestre de la Principauté de Monaco (1.45m, against the clock) on Thursday, Simon Delestre demonstrated sheer mastery aboard Olga van de Kruishoeve. The 10-year-old BWP mare, already a victor in numerous recent events (claiming her 10th win since October), effortlessly cleared every obstacle at breakneck speed on a course designed by Italian course designer Uliano Vezzani. "Olga is extremely fast," explained the world number 7 rider. "She's highly competitive and allows me to take tight turns, saving time at each jump. Despite her stature, she's remarkably agile. We take each event step by step, but my horses are in top form. We had good results last week in Stockholm, and I hope to replicate that success, though it's always challenging."
Also among the fastest riders on the circuit, Olympic team champion Roger-Yves Bost, long-time leader with Ballerine du Vilpion, a 13-year-old Selle Français mare, couldn't surpass his compatriot but secured a commendable second place, trailing by nearly three seconds. American rider Jessica Springsteen, riding Naomi van het Keizershof, completed the podium. French rider Inès Joly impressed with a strong fourth-place finish aboard Imposant van de Renger, showcasing her growing prowess at this level of competition.
Earlier in the day, in the 1.40m two-phase competition, Swiss rider Jane Richard set an early high bar with a swift 25.09-second finish aboard her 13-year-old gelding, Fouego de la Closière. None could come within two seconds of her time until Roger-Yves Bost, penultimate to go, fell short by just thirty hundredths of a second. "Fouego was on fire," rejoiced Jane Richard. "It's fantastic to start a five-star event like this. The track may be small, but it's wonderful to come to Monaco every year. This morning, my son Noah (13 years old) finished second in the CSI2* 1.25m event. It gave me a lot of energy and a positive spirit." Irish rider Michael Duffy secured third place, over two seconds behind, riding RMF Clinton Son, followed by Belgian Jérôme Guéry in fourth with Careca LS Elite, and Austrian Max Kühner, the world number 3, more than four seconds adrift with EIC Up Too Jacco Blue.
€27,000 Raised for AMADE Association
Later in the evening, the highly anticipated Longines Pro-Am Cup once again captivated spectators. Conceived and sponsored by Ms. Charlotte Casiraghi in 2010, this event brings together international riders and young talents in a sportsmanlike and festive atmosphere. The event primarily supports the AMADE association, established in 1963 at the initiative of Princess Grace of Monaco and now presided over by H.S.H. Princess of Hanover. AMADE actively engages internationally in advocating for the protection and development of children.
A €27,000 donation was presented by Diane Fissore, president of the competition and the Equestrian Federation of the Principality of Monaco, following the event. Sportingly, after two rounds, victory went to the duo of young Italian Eleonora Sanna and French rider Inès Joly, representing Fayat Monaco, ahead of Monégasque Juliette Noghes and Felipe Coutinho Mendonca Nagata for AMADE, tying with Greek rider Milena-Maria Pappa and Italian Emanuele Gaudiano for CTM. "The atmosphere was incredible," commented the two winners. "It felt like being at the Olympic Games. It's truly a fun event."
CSI2 Highlights*
The day began with national competitions and the CSI 2* events. At 1.40m, British rider Skye Higgin excelled with her 9-year-old mare, Fly for You. She edged out French riders Valentin Marcotte (Divine de la Nave) and Cyrine Cherif (Triple T Calmando Blue). At 1.25m, victory went to Brazilian Felipe Coutinho Mendonca Nagata, riding Monseigneur. Finally, British rider Isabella Beecroft-Luckett, a familiar name in CSI 2* events, triumphed at 1.15m aboard her mare, Dahar.
Friday's Key Events
On Friday, following morning sessions of national and CSI 2* competitions, CSI 5* riders will enter the arena at 5:00 PM with the Trophée Le Casino de Monte-Carlo, the first leg of the GCL. They will reconvene at 8:30 PM for the second leg. Leading after nine stages of the circuit, Stockholm Hearts, featuring Julien Épaillard (FRA), Jessica Springsteen (USA), and Olivier Philippaerts (BEL), will aim to strengthen their position against main rivals Doha Falcons and Cannes Stars on the provisional GCL podium. At "home," the Monaco Aces, currently eleventh, will seek to shine with the support of their local fans, counting on French riders Grégory Cottard, Edward Levy, who joined the team in the recent transfer window, and Inès Joly.