The Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco continued to captivate spectators as Dutch showjumper Maikel van der Vleuten stole the spotlight on day two with a flawless ride aboard his experienced partner Beauville Z N.O.P. The duo’s victory in the CSI5* 1.50m Prix Fédération Équestre de la Principauté de Monaco added yet another accolade to their impressive partnership.
Set against the glamorous backdrop of Port Hercule, the evening’s contest unfolded under floodlights, transforming the compact arena into a stage for elite equestrian sport. The technical nature of the course left no room for error, demanding perfect synergy between horse and rider. Navigating two challenging rounds, van der Vleuten executed a textbook performance, securing the win with a remarkable time of 32.22 seconds in the deciding jump-off.
Following closely, French rider Alexa Ferrer and her striking mount Vitalhorse Fleur d’Oz delivered a graceful round, stopping the clock at 33.50 seconds to claim the runner-up spot. Austria’s Max Kühner, who set the pace as the first competitor in the ring, held onto third place aboard EIC Up Too Jacco Blue with a smooth effort in 33.91 seconds.
The course, crafted by renowned designer Uliano Vezzani, lived up to its reputation for precision and difficulty. While several riders posted fast times, even minor faults proved costly. French contender Julien Epaillard appeared poised to challenge for the lead but a late mistake at the final fence dashed his hopes. Belgian stars Pieter Devos and Kendra Claricia Brinkop also fell short of podium finishes due to penalties, despite impressive speed.
Jérôme Guery, known for his bold approach, pushed the limits early on but lowered two fences, ending his bid for victory. Italy’s Giacomo Casadei encountered rhythm issues and racked up significant faults in a tough outing.
The vibrant Monaco crowd, gathered along the city’s iconic waterfront, enjoyed an evening of world-class sport under the stars. With the grandstands brimming and the Mediterranean Sea shimmering in the background, the energy was palpable.
As anticipation builds for the marquee €1.5 million Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco, scheduled for tomorrow night at 20:15 local time, all eyes now turn to the final showdown. With the world’s top riders ready to battle it out, fans can expect another unforgettable evening in the Principality.
