Brazil’s Stephan de Freitas Barcha produced the performance of his career to win the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco, securing his first five-star Grand Prix victory and a coveted place in this year’s Super Grand Prix.

Highlights

Competing beneath the lights at Monaco’s iconic Port Hercule, de Freitas Barcha and Dinozo Imperio Egipcio held their nerve during a thrilling nine-horse jump-off to claim victory by just two-tenths of a second.

The Brazilian pair stopped the clock in 35.40 seconds, edging out Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci aboard Pallieter vd N.Ranch, who finished second in 35.60 seconds. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann completed the podium with Untouched LB after another faultless performance in 36.18 seconds.

The Monaco Grand Prix, held under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Longines Global Champions Tour in the Principality, with packed grandstands overlooking Port Hercule providing one of the sport’s most recognisable backdrops.

Forty combinations tackled Uliano Vezzani’s demanding first-round course, but only nine produced the clear rounds required to progress to the jump-off. Several leading contenders were denied a place in the decider by a single mistake, including championship leader Abdel Saïd and Edwina Tops-Alexander, whose challenge ended with a rail at the final fence.

Bucci was first to return for the jump-off and immediately laid down a formidable target with a quick double clear in 35.60 seconds. Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann looked capable of eclipsing that time before a rail at the penultimate fence ended his chances, while Belgium’s Thibault Philippaerts also paid the price for an attacking round that included two fences down.

Christian Ahlmann elected for a more measured approach to move into provisional second place before de Freitas Barcha delivered the winning performance of the evening. Riding positively throughout, the Brazilian shaved precious fractions of a second from Bucci’s benchmark before crossing the finish clear to take the lead.

French favourite Kevin Staut, last to go aboard Vida Loca Z, appeared set to steal victory after recording the fastest time of the jump-off. However, a rail at the final fence dropped him down the order, confirming de Freitas Barcha as Monaco champion.

Speaking after the biggest win of his career, an emotional de Freitas Barcha said:

“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.”

Victory also secured the Brazilian a coveted Golden Ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Riyadh.

Reflecting on his horse, he added:

“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.”

Runner-up Bucci praised both his horse and the unique atmosphere in Monaco after recording his second Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix podium of the season.

The championship now heads into its mid-season break before resuming at Riesenbeck for Stage 9, with the title race remaining closely contested after eight rounds. Abdel Saïd continues to lead the standings on 167 points, ahead of Max Kühner on 159, with Edwina Tops-Alexander third.