Simon Delestre delivered a dazzling display of precision and courage as he clinched victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco, pocketing the lion’s share of the €1.5 million purse. With the majestic Port Hercule as the backdrop and every seat in the house occupied, the French rider and his trusted partner Cayman Jolly Jumper stole the spotlight with a blistering jump-off performance that left the crowd breathless.
His final time of 32.06 seconds was unmatched, more than a second faster than his nearest competitor, Harry Charles, who took the runner-up spot aboard Sherlock. Charles, reflecting on his own strategy, admitted he had considered a different approach one that might have made all the difference. Still, his risk paid off to secure second in a competitive field packed with top talent and tight margins.
Dutch rider Kim Emmen was delighted with her podium finish, praising Imagine N.O.P. for delivering not just one, but two exceptional rounds. She noted the intensity of the class, highlighting the large number of clears in round one and the fine margins that ultimately decided the top three.
The evening, hosted under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, unfolded in a glamorous setting befitting one of the Tour’s most iconic stages. The compact ring, carved out alongside Monaco’s superyacht-strewn marina, created a pressure cooker of energy and excitement. With royalty, motorsport icons, and A-list guests in attendance, the eighth leg of the 2025 Tour was nothing short of spectacular.
Twelve riders managed to produce fault-free opening rounds, a testament to their skill in navigating Uliano Vezzani’s cleverly designed course one that challenged both horse and rider with subtle traps and technical questions. The jump-off, with its fast corners and deceptive lines, proved decisive.
Opening the jump-off, Maikel van der Vleuten and O’Bailey van het Brouwershof N.O.P. showed early speed but were undone by an unfortunate rail. Pieter Devos followed with a smooth clear round that briefly took the lead. But once Delestre entered the ring, it was clear he was riding with only one outcome in mind. He and Cayman Jolly Jumper accelerated through the course like a bolt of lightning, slicing through turns and soaring over fences with surgical accuracy.
Several riders followed with determined efforts Germany’s Maximilian Weishaupt, the Netherlands’ Kim Emmen, and Britain’s Harry Charles among them but none could match Delestre’s explosive time. Charles, the last to go, came closest and delivered a classy finish that nearly upended the leaderboard.
Others faced challenges along the way. Andreas Schou was fast but also clipped the same part of the course that had earlier cost Maikel dearly. Mariana Frauches Chaves, making her debut in an LGCT Grand Prix, impressed with a composed round that was undone by just one rail. Lorenzo de Luca and Henrik von Eckermann both encountered issues at the double, with the latter taking down multiple fences despite his bold riding.
In the broader context of the championship, the results in Monaco have caused a ripple at the top. Gilles Thomas maintains his position as the overall leader, but Delestre’s heroics have brought him within striking distance in second place. With the Tour heading next to London, the title race is far from over and tensions are certain to rise as riders aim to secure their place in the Final.
Against the glimmer of the Mediterranean and under the glow of floodlights, the Monaco Grand Prix delivered another unforgettable chapter in this season’s Longines Global Champions Tour. From bold tactics to breakout performances, it was an evening that showcased everything that makes show jumping thrilling and left fans hungry for what’s to come.
