The Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco produced another memorable evening on Friday as the prestigious Longines Pro Am Cup celebrated the unique partnership between amateur and professional riders. Against the spectacular backdrop of Monte Carlo, family pride, sporting excellence and charitable purpose combined to create one of the most popular attractions of the event, with €20,000 raised for the Amade Charity.
Longines Pro Am Cup Monaco 2026.
First introduced in 2010 by Patron Charlotte Casiraghi, the Pro Am Cup has become a cherished fixture of the Monaco leg of the Global Champions Tour. Its relay format, which pairs an amateur with a professional rider, rewards precision, speed and teamwork while highlighting the family spirit that remains at the heart of equestrian sport.
Twelve teams lined up for the two-round contest, each aiming to produce two faultless performances in the quickest combined time. As dusk settled over Monte Carlo and the floodlights illuminated the arena, the atmosphere intensified, with spectators applauding every successful round in a closely fought contest.
The evening belonged to the Cavalleria Toscana team, where Lisa Gaudiano and her father, Italian international Emanuele Gaudiano, combined experience and composure to produce two flawless rounds. Their combined time of 60.08 seconds proved unbeatable, earning them a memorable victory in the Longines Pro Am Cup Monaco 2026.
An emotional Lisa Gaudiano admitted the victory represented years of dedication finally coming together.
“It was amazing, really special. I think for somebody who has never experienced this, they couldn’t even imagine how special this moment feels after all the sacrifice,” she said after receiving the trophy.
For Emanuele Gaudiano, sharing the podium with his daughter made the success even more meaningful.
“I’m incredibly proud of Lisa today. As her father, this is a very emotional moment because I’ve seen all the hard work. To stand on the top step of the podium alongside her in Monaco is something I’ll never forget. What impressed me most wasn’t just her riding, but how she handled the pressure. Competing in this atmosphere, in front of this crowd, she delivered two fantastic rounds. She absolutely deserved this victory, and sharing it with her makes it even more special.”
Dallamires Stables pushed the winners all the way in a thrilling finish. Michaela Whitaker opened with a confident clear round aboard Lingala before Jessica Mendoza followed with another immaculate effort on Napitola-S. Their combined time of 61.09 seconds left them less than a second behind the Gaudianos, securing a well-earned runners-up finish.
CTM completed the podium after another polished display. Tess Carmichael produced a composed clear on Bangle SR before Germany’s Christian Ahlmann anchored the team aboard Sheeran WL with another faultless performance. Their combined time of 62.47 seconds secured third place after a consistently impressive showing.
The awards were presented by S.A.R. La Princesse Caroline de Hanovre and Madame Charlotte Casiraghi, joined by Charlotte Hassler, Brand Manager for Longines France, with the winning riders also receiving elegant Longines watches.
Beyond the sporting contest, the Longines Pro Am Cup Monaco 2026 once again underlined the values of teamwork, family and community. With €20,000 raised for the Amade Charity and a thrilling competition decided by fractions of a second, Friday’s event added another memorable chapter to Monaco’s rich equestrian tradition.
While the competition crowned a deserving champion, the evening also showcased the unique appeal of the Pro Am format, where seasoned professionals and passionate amateurs compete as equals. The blend of elite sport, family connections and genuine camaraderie has become a defining feature of the Monaco leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour, making the event a favourite among riders and spectators alike.
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