Dreams came true in the heart of Paris on Saturday, June 22, when French star Jeanne Sadran clinched her first-ever CSI5* Grand Prix victory at the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris presented by Ville de Paris.
Competing Dexter de Kerglenn on home turf as part of 35 starters, Sadran captivated the sold-out crowd as the only double clear, edging out some of the biggest names in the sport, including the renowned Kent Farrington and Myla, who finished in second place. In another first, Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen and Equine America Harwich VDL collected their first-ever LGCT podium to finish in third place.
The atmosphere was electric as thousands of enthusiastic spectators gathered to witness top-tier sport. Sadran’s victory was a momentous occasion, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. The crowd was treated to a dazzling display of exceptional sport and hospitality as spectators and participants revelled in the glamorous ambience, where fashion, elegance, and sophistication seamlessly merged.
Speaking with GCTV, Jeanne was lost for words. Putting her emotions to the microphone, she said,
I can not believe it, it’s just incredible, just look at my home crowd. It’s so special for my first 5* win, here, in Paris at the Longines Global Champions Tour. I couldn’t imagine a better result.”
Having moved up through the ranks and now a much admired young rider on the Tour, Jeanne commented on the growth of her career with the Longines Global Champions Tour,
When I first started with Global Champions it was really hard, I was so young, but now I’ve learned so much… and I can win in Paris, in my home country.”
As for her ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Riyadh?
“It’s a dream. I am so excited for the LGCT Super Grand Prix to ride with the best riders in the world.”
Having competed in just his sixth Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix, 28 year old Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen couldn’t hide the emotion from his face as he spoke exclusively to GCTV. He explained,
I’m just so, so happy. This for me is just a dream, because I’ve been watching on TV for many, many years. I’m so lucky to be a part of the Scandinavian Vikings and get the opportunity to do these classes and really step up on the level of the Longines Global Champions Tour.”
Kent Farrington, a seasoned veteran and one of the sport’s most respected figures, graciously congratulated Sadran on her remarkable achievement:
To see the next generation of riders coming through, a great French win at home, so that was really exciting for the ground and I am really happy for Jeanne too.”
The eruption of noise and celebration from the packed VIP and sold-out grandstands, as well as the pure emotion felt by Jeanne and her support crew, showed exactly what the win in the 10th edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris meant.
As the sun set over the stunning Parisian venue, the celebrations continued, with fans and fellow competitors alike acknowledging the significance of Sadran’s triumph. It was a day of high emotion, where dreams were realised, and new heroes were born. The Tour now heads straight to Stockholm from 28 – 30 June 2024.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.