In front of a captivated Parisian crowd and the world-famous Eiffel Tower, Gilles Thomas delivered a masterclass performance to win the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris 2025. Riding the talented Ermitage Kalone, Thomas sealed the victory with a brilliant display of precision and speed, clocking an unbeatable time of 42.92 seconds in the final jump-off. This remarkable win not only secured his spot at the prestigious Super Grand Prix in Prague but also strengthened his lead in the overall championship standings.
The atmosphere at the Champ de Mars arena was electric as top riders from across the globe battled for glory. American star Lillie Keenan, alongside her trusted partner Fasther, gave a performance full of grit and determination. Her double clear round in 44.59 seconds was a proud moment, especially considering Fasther’s return to top form after past injuries. Keenan’s bond with her horse and her competitive spirit earned her a well-deserved second place.
Irish rider Denis Lynch completed the podium with a measured ride on Mr Boombastic. Choosing a tactical approach, Lynch prioritized a clean round over speed, securing third place with a double clear in 52.70 seconds. His contribution to the New York Empire team remains pivotal as the tour intensifies.
Reflecting on the win, Gilles Thomas shared his excitement, explaining how advice from fellow rider Niels Bruynseels convinced him to chase victory rather than settle for a safe podium finish. His decision paid off in spectacular fashion, with his winning round sending the crowd into a frenzy under the shimmering lights of the Eiffel Tower. The Belgian rider described the experience as unforgettable, marking his first 5* Grand Prix triumph with Ermitage in such an iconic setting.
Keenan’s emotional return to the Paris podium highlighted the resilience of both rider and horse. She spoke warmly of Fasther’s fighting spirit after overcoming setbacks, while Lynch expressed gratitude to Georgina Bloomberg and the New York Empire team for their support in his championship campaign.
The leaderboard has shifted dramatically after Paris, with Thomas pulling ahead on 160 points. Simon Delestre trails with 118.2 points, followed by Lynch on 112.2. With Scott Brash and Andreas Schou close behind, the competition is far from over.
Several other top contenders faced challenges. Nicola Philippaerts thrilled the crowd with an all-out effort but suffered two costly rails. Natalie Dean and Katrin Eckermann also fell victim to tricky fences, while Christian Ahlmann’s hopes of making history with a third Paris victory ended after an unfortunate stop and time faults.
As the last rider to enter the ring, Gilles Thomas knew the stakes and delivered a flawless performance that demonstrated why he and Ermitage Kalone are seen as future legends in the sport. Their seamless partnership and daring approach left no doubt they deserved to stand atop the podium.
The next leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour takes competitors to Monte Carlo from July 3rd to 5th, where the battle for the championship crown continues. With every round growing in importance, the drama and excitement of the tour promise even more thrilling moments ahead.
For those wanting to relive the action, exclusive interviews and full replays are now available on GCTV, bringing fans closer to the heart of show jumping’s biggest stage.
