To close the 14th edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monte-Carlo, the riders treated us to an exceptional show on Saturday, throughout the entire day.
To open the day, the Prix Fédération Équestre de la Principauté de Monaco, won by Eileen Thomel, 12 years old, who finished more than 2 seconds ahead of her fellow riders Sophia Gambarini and Chiara Platini.
Late in the afternoon, the second round of the Global Champions League presented by Massimo Dutti, a qualifier for the Grand Prix, raised the tension in the stands, which were full despite the heat: 11 obstacles, 13 efforts at 1.55/1.60m. The Frenchman Kevin Staut produced the fastest clear round of the competition in 56.11 seconds, securing his place in the Grand Prix and winning the competition ahead of the Briton Harry Charles and the Swede Enrik von Eckermann.
On the team side, the Scandinavian Vikings celebrated their first victory. This team, created two years ago, was able to count on the experience of Evelina Tovek and Geir Gulliksen.
Early in the evening, before packed stands, the 35 riders qualified for the LGCT Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco presented by Tennor faced an initial course of 15 jumps at 1.60m, which demanded agility, tempo and stride choice in order to reach the jump-off. This final event is greatly appreciated by spectators, who have the chance in Monaco to be right up close to the horses, which heightens the thrill.
Although 12 riders were predicted to make the jump-off, in the end 10 managed to make their mark. The Dutchman Maikel van der Vleuten won on his mysterious Beauville Z in 33.06 seconds, followed by Bassem Mohammed (QAT) in the saddle of the dazzling Gunder in 33.12 seconds, and the Frenchman Julien Epaillard on his fantastic Usual Suspect d’Auge in 33.52 seconds.
A big thank you and congratulations to the entire Longines Global Champions Tour team, who once again performed at their best in Monaco, with flawless organization and, as always, great elegance and kindness.
We look forward to meeting again next year, in 2020, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the LGCT Monaco and the 25th anniversary of the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo, a double anniversary for the Principality, which each year welcomes international stars and the world’s best riders on this occasion.
Sources: jumping de monaco – sportfot – Alex Benchetrit
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