The first leg of the 2026 Morocco Royal Tour came to a close on Sunday at the Royal Guard arena in Tétouan. After four days of competition, the CSI4*-W Grand Prix of Tétouan – Prix de S.A.R. Le Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan provided the highlight of an action-packed week of sport.
A total of 41 combinations lined up for the CSI4*-W 1.50m Grand Prix of Tétouan, over a course designed by Grégory Bodo.
In the jump-off, Anthony Bourquard and Fontaineblau Manciais made the difference. The Swiss rider crossed the finish line in 40.63 seconds, securing his first Grand Prix victory with this horse.
Behind him, Ioli Mytilineou, riding Casanova Hastak DWB, finished in 41.18 seconds to take second place. Niamh McEvoy continued her remarkable weekend in Tétouan: riding Sevilla van de Berghoeve Z, the Irish rider completed her jump-off in 42.49 seconds to finish third.
It was a particularly special victory for Anthony Bourquard, who was returning to the Morocco Royal Tour after several years away.
Anthony Bourquard: “I’ve been riding this horse for several years now, and he really holds a special place in my heart. We’ve had some very good results together, including many clear rounds in Nations Cups, but a Grand Prix victory was the one thing we were missing. To achieve it here in Tétouan, in front of the Moroccan crowd, gives me enormous pleasure. I’m really happy to have been able to help Fontaineblau achieve what he deserves: a Grand Prix victory.”
Niamh McEvoy finishes on a high
A few hours earlier, Niamh McEvoy had already set the tone by winning the CSI4*-W 1.45m – Prix de la F.R.M.S.E. with Jargon DN.
The Irish rider finished ahead of Italy’s Lorenzo Argentano, riding Dakota Blue Girl, while Dutch rider Mel Thijssen, aboard Juice, took third place.
That victory was followed just a few hours later by a third-place finish in the Grand Prix with Sevilla van de Berghoeve Z, confirming an outstanding weekend for the Irish rider in Tétouan.
Niamh McEvoy: “I’ve had a really good week here with my four horses, and they have all jumped very well. Jargon finished third on Friday before winning today. For my first time competing at the Morocco Royal Tour, I’m absolutely delighted. The facilities are excellent, the horses really like the arena, and the courses have been very well designed throughout the week.”
