Simon Delestre Steals the Show
The 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour - Monte-Carlo International Jumping commenced in grand style on Thursday, attracting top equestrians from around the globe to the iconic Port Hercule. As the tenth stop on the prestigious international circuit, the event promises thrilling competition culminating in the €1.5 million Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco on Saturday at 8:15 PM. The opening day already delivered high-octane action, highlighted by a standout performance from French rider Simon Delestre.
Under the Riviera sun, against the backdrop of luxurious yachts, the compact yet challenging course saw some of the world's best horse-rider pairs demonstrate their prowess. It was a chance for competitors to acclimate to the unique track size and set the tone for the upcoming days of intense competition.
In the Prix Fédération Équestre de la Principauté de Monaco (1.45m, against the clock), Simon Delestre showcased a masterclass performance aboard Olga van de Kruishoeve. The 10-year-old BWP mare, already a consistent winner in recent months with ten victories since October, effortlessly navigated the course designed by Italian course designer Uliano Vezzani. "Olga is incredibly fast," explained the world number 7. "She's highly competitive, allowing me to take tight turns and gain time at every jump. Despite her size, she's remarkably agile. We take each competition step by step, but my horses are in excellent form. We had a strong showing last week in Stockholm, and I aim to continue that success, though it's always challenging."
Olympic team champion Roger-Yves Bost, also known for his speed, initially led with Ballerine du Vilpion, a 13-year-old Selle Français mare, but settled for second place, nearly three seconds behind his compatriot. American rider Jessica Springsteen, riding Naomi van het Keizershof, completed the podium. French rider Inès Joly impressed with a fourth-place finish aboard Imposant van de Renger, marking a significant achievement at this competitive level.
Earlier in the day, Swiss rider Jane Richard set a blistering pace in the 1.40m two-phase competition aboard her 13-year-old gelding, Fouego de la Closière, with a time of 25.09 seconds. Roger-Yves Bost came close, finishing just thirty hundredths of a second behind. "Fouego was exceptional," exclaimed Jane Richard. "Starting a five-star event like this is fantastic. The track may be small, but returning to Monaco each year is wonderful."
Supporting AMADE Association
The evening's highlight was the Longines Pro-Am Cup, a beloved event that brought together international riders and young talents in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. Initiated and sponsored by Ms. Charlotte Casiraghi in 2010, the event supports the AMADE association, founded by Princess Grace of Monaco in 1963 and now led by H.S.H. Princess of Hanover. AMADE focuses on child protection and development on a global scale.
A generous donation of €27,000 was presented by Diane Fissore, president of the competition and the Equestrian Federation of the Principality of Monaco, after the event. Sportingly, the duo of young Italian Eleonora Sanna and French rider Inès Joly, representing Fayat Monaco, claimed victory, followed closely by Monégasque Juliette Noghes and Felipe Coutinho Mendonca Nagata for AMADE, and Greek rider Milena-Maria Pappa and Italian Emanuele Gaudiano for CTM.
CSI2 Highlights*
The day kicked off with national and CSI 2* competitions. At 1.40m, British rider Skye Higgin triumphed with her 9-year-old mare, Fly for You. In the 1.25m event, Brazilian rider Felipe Coutinho Mendonca Nagata clinched victory aboard Monseigneur. British rider Isabella Beecroft-Luckett secured first place at 1.15m with her mare, Dahar, a familiar name in CSI 2* events.
Friday's Anticipated Events
On Friday, after morning sessions of national and CSI 2* competitions, the spotlight will be on the CSI 5* riders at 5:00 PM with the Trophée Le Casino de Monte-Carlo, the first leg of the GCL. The action continues at 8:30 PM with the second leg. Stockholm Hearts, currently leading the circuit after nine stages, featuring Julien Épaillard (FRA), Jessica Springsteen (USA), and Olivier Philippaerts (BEL), aim to maintain their dominance against fierce rivals Doha Falcons and Cannes Stars in the provisional GCL standings. The Monaco Aces, ranked eleventh, seek a hometown advantage with French riders Grégory Cottard, Edward Levy, and Inès Joly.