The Morocco Royal Tour (MRT) 2025 opened in style at the prestigious grounds of the Royal Guard. Under the flags of 18 nations, the spotlight quickly turned to the *CSI4-W Prix de l’Indépendance (1.40 m), a thrilling speed competition designed by French course builder Cédric Longis.
The CSI1 in Moroccan colors*
The Prix d’Oued Draa (1.25 m) opened the battle in the best possible way for Moroccan equestrian sport. In a round completely dominated by national riders, Ghita Msefer and her horse Carlotta de Champloue claimed a clear victory, ahead of Souleimane El Mandour with Kornel van de Renger. Mohammed Nizar Souktani completed this 100% Moroccan podium with Genesis Z. A full top 9 in Moroccan colors confirms the vitality of the Moroccan show jumping school.
A French triumph at the top
The revelation of the day came from French rider Nathalie Mack. Riding her mare Baccara de l’Aubépine, she delivered a faultless round and stopped the clock at 63.07 seconds. Her performance secured not only the victory but also enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Clearly emotional, Mack said:
“It’s special to achieve this with Baccara, my heart horse whom I’ve raised since she was young. We built everything together.”
Italy dominates the podium
Italy followed closely behind: Emanuele Gaudiano took second with Julius.D in 64.56 seconds, while Massimo Grossato secured third place with Legend in 65.56 seconds.
Competitive field in the top five
Behind the podium, Marek Lewicki (POL) with Quadis II placed fourth in 66.23 seconds, and Rhys Williams (IRL) on Conthanja took fifth in 67.08 seconds.
With nearly 100 riders at the start, the Prix de l’Indépendance set a high standard for the rest of the Morocco Royal Tour 2025.
