Nine combinations managed to qualify this evening for the jump-off of the 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. While Belgian competitors were out in full force throughout the final rankings, it was ultimately the Brazilian national anthem that echoed through the arena.
There is simply no stopping the success story of Piergiorgio Bucci and his Pallieter vd N. Ranch (Cornet Obolensky). After previously clinching the LGCT Grand Prix of Mexico and blowing the competition away in Rome, Bucci nearly outclassed the field once again in Monte Carlo with his grey stallion. The duo held the lead for a long time, but at the eleventh hour, Stephan de Freitas Barcha managed to edge ahead on the clock.
The Brazilian rider jumped to victory in 35.40 seconds aboard his 13-year-old SF stallion, Dinozo Imperio Egipcio (Diamant de Semilly). The pair shaved two-tenths of a second off the time set by Bucci and the Dirk Nevejant-bred stallion. Christian Ahlmann completed the top three in the saddle of Untouched LB (United Touch S).
Ahlmann was followed by Nicola Philippaerts and Tom De Craene's bred, Moya vd Bisschop (Darco). The pair, earlier this week already placed on stage in Monaco. Aboard Acadina PP Z (Asca Z), Jessica Mendoza completed the top five.
An emotional Stephan de Freitas Barcha struggled to put into words what his first Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix victory meant, admitting there could have been no more fitting place to achieve the milestone than Monaco. “The last fence felt a long way away, but it’s incredible. This is my first five-star Grand Prix win, and to do it here in Monaco, such a historic and special place, means so much. I’m really emotional because I’m doing this for a lot of people. To win my first five-star Grand Prix here is something very, very special.”
The victory also secured Barcha a coveted Golden Ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix, and the Brazilian paid tribute to the horse that made it all possible while looking ahead to the season finale. “He’s unbelievable. He’s a fighter. He always wants to jump clear and do his best. He’s one of the really special ones, and I’m so lucky to have him. Now I’m qualified for Riyadh, which will be another very special Grand Prix for me. I’ll prepare as well as I can, and hopefully we can keep jumping like we did here in Monaco. The atmosphere, the crowd and the energy here are incredible - it gives you such a good feeling when you go into the ring and makes you want to do your very best.”
