Source:  GCT

Just ahead of this afternoon’s Grand Prix, Philippe Rozier upheld the family honour by winning the 1.50 metre event. The Rozier family has long been an important part of the Monaco event, with Philippe’s brother Thierry acting as coach to Charlotte Casiraghi for a number of years.

Their younger brother Gilles, though an equally talented rider, participates more for pleasure than competition. A cabinetmaker by trade, he built the exquisite jump modelled on the Monaco palace. “Our family has wonderful relations with the Prince and his family. It is always a pleasure to have them visit us in Bois le Roi, and for us to come ride here,” says Philippe.

He continues: “Charlotte asked Gilles to build a jump for the event. It took him about six weeks to build, around 300 hours, but the result is quite magnificent.” Philippe, who beat the American Laura Kraut/Teirra and Irishman Billy Twomey/Romanov by a similarly magnificent 40 hundredths of a second, added: “Twelve riders competed, and I had the good fortune of going last. Initially, I had planned to just try for a clear round, but when I saw Billy and Rolf Göran Bengtsson both achieve clear rounds I realised I had to beat the clock instead. Jadis de Toscane is always very good in this sort of trial, and he’s come a long way since his injury. The odds were not in his favour, so it’s a real pleasure to see him competing again. I’m also happy for myself as it’s been a very good year, having won the Grand Prix de Bordeaux and Vidauban.”

Philippe was presented the award by his father Marcel, and by the organiser of the competition, Dianne Fissore. He has been participating here in Monaco for 17 years – a loyalty that has paid dividends in this year’s GCT, having finished 3rd in the 1.45 metre event, and come 6th on the 1.50 metre course, riding Grand Prix Randgraaf.

Photo credit Jennifer Decamp