Stephan de Freitas Barcha produced the biggest victory of his international career on Saturday night, guiding Dinozo Imperio Egipcio to a dramatic success in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco after an exhilarating jump-off that captivated the packed crowd in the Principality.
Longines Global Champions Tour Monaco Grand Prix 2026.
Against the spectacular backdrop of Port Hercule, the Brazilian rider held his composure when it mattered most, stopping the clock in 35.40 seconds to secure his first five-star Grand Prix title. The result came after a fiercely contested jump-off in which the finest margins separated the leading combinations.
Nine riders returned for the deciding round after faultless opening performances, setting up a thrilling contest. Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci and Pallieter vd N.Ranch established the benchmark from first draw with a flawless round in 35.60 seconds, but Barcha produced a quicker effort to claim victory by just two-tenths of a second.
Germany’s Christian Ahlmann completed the podium aboard Untouched LB, recording another faultless round in 36.18 seconds as the leading three combinations all finished clear in one of the closest Grand Prix contests of the season.
The victory marked Barcha’s first five-star Grand Prix success and secured his place in the season-ending Super Grand Prix, adding further significance to a landmark evening for the Brazilian rider and his talented mount.
Monaco also celebrated the 20th anniversary of hosting the Longines Global Champions Tour. Held under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the milestone edition once again demonstrated why the Principality remains one of the championship’s most iconic venues, with Port Hercule providing a spectacular setting for world-class show jumping.
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