A sensational performance from French rider Kevin Staut lit up the Longines Global Champions Tour in Ramatuelle, St. Tropez, as he and his trusted partner Vida Loca Z stormed to victory in the 1.50m CSI5* Lugano Trophy. The picturesque Riviera setting provided the perfect stage for an exhilarating evening of elite-level showjumping, with Staut putting on a display of poise, precision, and pace in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
With golden sunlight bouncing off the iconic Pampelonne Beach backdrop, the atmosphere was electric as top riders from around the world prepared to contest the second day’s headline event. As the action unfolded, it became clear that the competition would come down to not just skill, but boldness in the tight jump-off course. Staut and Vida Loca Z answered the challenge in style, finishing with a clear round in 34.75 seconds to seal the top spot.
The Frenchman’s clever strategy saw him conserve energy through the early part of the course, only to cut sharply and confidently to the final oxer, where he made up the crucial time that propelled him ahead of his rivals. Having nurtured Vida Loca Z from a young age, Staut’s trust in the mare was evident, and the connection between horse and rider was flawless in execution.
The challenge was fierce. Germany’s Jana Wargers delivered an impressive clear aboard Dorette OLD, narrowly missing out on first place with a time of 35.14 seconds. Rising star Charlotte Leoni added more reason for French fans to cheer, finishing third on Cyclone l’Epivent with another faultless effort at 37.62 seconds.
While some riders posted faster times, not all were able to escape the pitfalls of the demanding course. Austria’s Max Kühner and EIC Julius Caesar blazed through the track with the day’s quickest time, 34.45 seconds, but were let down by a costly rail. Similarly, Katrin Eckermann on Chao Lee looked set for a podium finish until a knock at the penultimate fence left her with four faults.
Jérôme Guery from Belgium also showcased raw speed with Careca LS Elite, but two late faults left him down the order despite a time of 34.23 seconds. The mix of blazing rounds and last-minute setbacks kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the event.
The crowd was visibly moved by Staut’s win, erupting in applause as the Frenchman lifted the Lugano Trophy. As celebrations spilled into the vibrant event village and music filled the evening air, it was a fitting end to an unforgettable day of sport.
Looking ahead, the excitement is far from over. The Grand Prix of Ramatuelle, St. Tropez promises to be a showstopping conclusion to the weekend, with top international riders ready to battle under the evening lights. Fans can catch the full replay of the Lugano Trophy on GCTV and gear up for more world-class action to come.
Kevin Staut’s home-soil triumph is a reminder of the magic that happens when talent, trust, and timing come together — and in the heart of the French Riviera, that magic was undeniable.
