Longines Global Champions Tour: Samuel Parot beats the world's best in Monaco

Source: News Release

Samuel Parot beats the world's best in Monaco

(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

The feature class of the evening, the Prix Massimo Dutti, was won by Samuel Parot (CHI) and Quick du Pottier, who beat the best riders in the world to win this evening’s beautiful trophy. Second place went to Roger-Yves Bost (FRA) and Poker Des Dames, and third to Daniel Deusser (GER) and Fyloe vh Claeyssenhof in a fast and exciting jump-off in the heart of Monaco’s famous harbour.

The first round, set by Luc Musette, was full up to the 1.50/55m height with wide oxers and tough distances. The tight time allowed forced riders to cut corners in an already small arena in order to avoid penalties. A short double of uprights early in the course caught out many, as did another short upright to oxer combination in the final line. Three riders of the 48 starters picked up a frustrating time fault and a few big names came home with a surprising number of faults - but this unique arena does take a bit of getting used to in the middle of the outdoor season. “It’s like riding indoors again,” said GCT TV commentator Steve Hadley.

Fourteen riders went through to the twisty jump-off round which included a spooky water tray under a large oxer across the middle of the arena and a final set of planks set close into the corner, giving the impression of jumping straight into the VIP area. Roger-Yves Bost looked unbeatable setting a time of 33.75s from 2nd in the draw, but Samuel Parot rode the round of his life to better the reigning European Champion by 0.74s. The big names, including the World No1 and No2 Scott Brash and Ben Maher, tried to catch the Chilean but were forced into making errors, leaving a thrilled Parot with one of the biggest victories of his career.

Friday night’s world-class line-up features the CSI5* Prix S.B.M and the Longines Pro Am streamed live on GCT TV. Watch the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco Grand Prix live from 18.30pm local time Saturday 28th June on GCT TV, ClassHorseTV and Equidia Life, and on Eurosport and beIN Sports from 21.15pm local time.

World No2 Ben Maher takes the first win at Port Hercule

(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

The opening class of the stunning Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco was won by Ben Maher (GBR) and Aristo Z, who set the harbour side arena alight with a lightning round to finish on a double clear in a time of 31.61s. Second went to Constant van Paesschen (BEL), who adds another top three finish to his ever-growing tally, this time with Citizenguard Rioso van de Kapel in 32.38s, and third went to Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and VDL Groep Eureka in 32.46s.

The opening CSI5* class of the show saw a relatively straight-forward course from Luc Musette, a welcoming test to introduce the horses to this unique, tight arena. With excited crowds gathering along every side, VIPs looking on from the exclusive double-decker stands and rows of international flags leaping about in the wind, this arena can be intimidating for the young and inexperienced rider or mount.

Of the 45 starters, eleven jumped a double clear round with eight riders collecting a time penalty for exceeding the time allowed. Maikel van der Vleuten took the lead from 8th to go and looked like he’d be tough to beat with his speedy grey. Constant van Paesschen rarely enters a class he does’t try to win and he was able to shave 0.08s off the leading time. But Ben Maher was not to be deterred, chasing the time down with some daring turn-backs and attacking strides to take the victory.

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(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

Famous faces bring added glamour to Monaco

(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

As the spectacular Monaco leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour swung into action today, global business figures joined star riders at a special lunch to celebrate the event that has become a favourite fixture on the Monte-Carlo social calendar. Charlotte Casiraghi, Honorary President of the LGCT Monaco event, joined VIP guests including HSBC Holdings Group Managing Director Peter Boyles at an elegant lunch, along side Head of Private Banking at HSBC Monaco Katie Danby. They mingled with riders including French actor Guillaume Canet. HSBC is a main sponsor of the Tour stage in Monaco.

As the evening competitions with the world's top riders got underway tonight, Princess Caroline of Hannover was among guests enjoying world-class show jumping in a world-beating setting. Spectators lined the streets alongside the arena as the stars of the sport went into battle for the first competitions of the weekend.
Friday and Saturday night are sure to be uber-glamorous as the red carpet is rolled out and a series of guests arrive by tender from stunning yachts in the beautiful Monaco harbour.

The Championship heats up as the Tour heads to Monaco

(Photo: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)

Still maintaining fantastic form, the World No1 Scott Brash (GBR), fresh from an LGCT Grand Prix win in Cannes, will head up the rider list for this glittering CSI5* Monaco event. Ben Maher (GBR), Kevin Staut (FRA), Kent Farrington (USA), Daniel Deusser (GER), Luciana Diniz and LGCT Ranking Leader Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) will also be competing at beautiful Port Hercule. The Championship season has been a rollercoaster ride so far, and as we head towards the middle of the season there is all to play for.

Reigning LGCT Champion Scott Brash will be the man to beat after already collecting a Bronze medal in Hamburg and a Gold in Cannes so far this series. "Last year was fantastic for me," said Scott. "If I can do that again, I will be delighted. It's such a wonderful series, in all these great cities around the world, and I have fantastic horses right now."

Hot on Scott's heels is World No2 Ben Maher, who had a set-back last month when one of his top horses Urico was injured, but with some young star rides coming through the Brit can never be discounted. However currently riding high is 2011 and 2012 LGCT Champion Edwina Tops-Alexander, who is cruising at the top of the leaderboard and as she has proven before, consistency is the key to winning the overall LGCT crown.

Hosted by Monaco's sparkling port-side arena, the competition will be some of the very best that show jumping has to offer. The sixth round of the series will also welcome current European Champion Roger-Yves Bost (FRA), reigning Dutch Champion Maikel van der Vleuten, double Olympic Silver medallist Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) and 2013 LGCT Championship runner-up Christian Ahlmann (GER), and many more.

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