Part of the Longines Global Champions Tour, circuit of excellence that regroups the finest horse shows on the planet, the 5*CSI at Cannes will see the world’s top 30 riders confronting each other, riders, who in main, will be taking the road leading to the Rio Olympic Games in August. Amongst them, French representative Pénélope Leprévost, victor of the “Grand Prix de Cannes-Haras des Grillons” in 2015 riding her mare Ratina d’la Rousserie will incontestably be expected to defend her title. The new World n°1, Frenchman Simon Delestre, should also be in the starting blocks just like his predecessor Scotsman Scott Brash who seized the top slot here in 2014. The Mediterranean competition therefore promises first class sporting entertainment and to successfully pull off a double victory in a row will not be easy. In fact only two have ever managed this feat, Markus Fuchs (SUI) in 1987 and 1988, and Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) in 2010 and 2011.
AMBITION and prestige on the RIVIERA. If the evening performances are reserved for the big names, less experienced riders have the opportunity to ride in the Cannes arena whilst taking part in the 1*CSI over courses measuring 1m10 to 1m40. In 2015, it was Sadri Fegaier, owner of the Haras des Grillons and President of the Valence Jumping Show, co-organised with the team of the Cannes event, who dominated this event winning the “Prix Louis Julian”. Regulars to the festivities, Guillaume Canet and Marina Hands, equally at ease on the red carpets of the festival as on the Hesperides sand, are also expected, and will each have a true hand to play during the show. On the side of the public, the grandstands offer free entry during the day, never emptying and allow everyone to discover or rediscover a sport that cherishes the values of excellence, rigour and respect. Whether they are world champions or amateurs, riders travel from the four corners of the globe for this waterside stop over.
