From 4 to 6 July, Port Hercule will be transformed into an equestrian course for the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo. This prestigious event has been a fixture on the international show jumping calendar for over fifteen years, bringing together the world’s very best riders.
The Principality prepares to saddle up
Once again this year, the
Jumping International de Monte-Carlo, nestled under the ramparts of the
Prince's Palace, promises great moments of sporting excitement. The Monegasque
leg of the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour, the Formula 1 world championship
for horses, welcomes the best riders in the world for three days of competition
in the heart of Port Hercule, a truly unique setting.
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Hoofbeats by the Mediterranean
Setting
up an equestrian stadium in the heart of the Hercule port is a unique
challenge: tons of fibrous sand have to be brought in, the port has to be
transformed into stables and the whole thing has to be given that luxurious
environment specific to the event. The horses are housed on the port: a rare
sight to see these champions resting among the most beautiful yachts in the
world between two events.
The
seating around the main arena will host the great and the good, including grand
family names and crowned heads of state all keen to see the highest levels of
equine competition.
Alongside the arena, spectators can visit the paddocks
and stables, explore the event village with its boutiques and exhibitors, and
perhaps bump into one of the riders and get a closer look at their magnificent
steeds.
A prestige event
Only the vest best riders
and mounts are invited to compete in the Principality.
With its high quality and technically demanding course and facilities, the
Jumping International de Monte-Carlo has come to be a symbol of excellence for
riders and spectators alike. It is the third biggest sporting event hosted in
the Principality, after the Tennis Masters and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Thrilling spectacle and elite competition
Like the Formula 1 Grand
Prix, the uniqueness of this global meeting lies in the dimensions of its
challenging course, which is short, narrow and winding, with numerous
obstacles. The competitors therefore need to use every ounce of their technical
skill to set the best time and win the trophy. Whether you are a novice or an
expert when it comes to equestrianism, you won't fail to be thrilled by the
contest!
Over the three days,
another prestigious competition sponsored by Charlotte Casiraghi is well worth
a look: the Pro-Am Cup. Created in 2010, this unique relay event brings
together professional and amateur riders for an exciting race against the clock.
Galloping into 2023
There's a wonderful
programme in prospect over the three days, with the amateur events during the
day and the elite events in the evening.
Spectators in search of big thrills will not want to miss the highlight of the
weekend:
The Longines Global
Champions Tour – GRAND PRIX du Prince de Monaco on Saturday 6 July 2024, when the best riders will
come together for the Grand Final after three days of top-class competition, on an
extremely challenging course.
Photo credits:
©LGCT / Vanessa Von Zitzewitz