The sparkling Port Hercule marina in Monaco came alive with sporting action and festive energy on Friday evening, as the Longines Pro-Am Cup brought world-class equestrian sport to the heart of the principality. The much-anticipated relay competition not only thrilled spectators with its fast-paced excitement but also made a meaningful impact, raising €20,000 for AMADE, the humanitarian initiative supported by H.R.H. The Princess of Hanover.
Since its inception in 2010 by Charlotte Casiraghi, the Longines Pro-Am Cup has carved its place as one of the standout events on the Monaco stop of the Longines Global Champions Tour. Blending professional expertise with emerging amateur talent, the competition celebrates the values of unity and family that lie at the core of equestrian sport.
The evening saw eleven teams navigate the challenging two-round speed relay, demanding precision, sharp reflexes, and flawless teamwork. With the backdrop of the harbour glowing under the twilight sky, the atmosphere was electric, as fans packed the stands and cheered passionately.
Emerging victorious on the night was Team Paneraj & Partner Estate, who delivered an exceptional performance to clinch the title. The duo of experienced rider Felipe Coutinho Mendonca Nagata and promising talent Giacomo Paneraj combined their efforts to clock a winning time of 65.65 seconds, edging out the competition with a flawless display.
For Giacomo, the triumph marked the realisation of a long-held aspiration. Beaming with joy, he expressed how deeply proud he was of the performance, paying tribute to the connection with his horse and the electric energy provided by the roaring crowd.
The battle for top honours remained fiercely competitive, with Team CTM narrowly missing out on the win. Katharina Rhomberg and Milenna Pappas showcased remarkable skill and composure, finishing just 0.27 seconds behind the leaders with a time of 65.92 seconds, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Completing the podium was Team Fédération Équestre de Monaco, featuring seasoned campaigner Philippe Rozier and the talented Sophia Aurelia George. Their combined time of 67.36 seconds secured third place, capping off a thrilling night of sport.
The awards ceremony, held against the elegant backdrop of Monaco, was attended by distinguished guests, including S.A.R La Princesse Caroline de Hanovre, Madame Charlotte Casiraghi, along with representatives from Longines France. Winners were presented with iconic Longines timepieces, adding an extra touch of prestige to their achievement.
With the Pro-Am Cup setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend, all attention now shifts to the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco, where the world’s elite riders will compete under the floodlights for a share of the €1.5 million prize fund.
