The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix took place on Saturday 4th July, with Brazilian rider Stephan de Freitas Barcha emerging victorious after an intense competition. He became only the second Brazilian rider in history to win in the Principality.
The final stretch of the jump-off required immense focus before Barcha celebrated with a shout and raised fist as victory was confirmed. The emotion continued as he listened to Brazil’s national anthem play against the backdrop of Port Hercule. This victory secured his “Golden Ticket” to the Super Grand Prix in Riyadh later this year.
World number 37 de Freitas Barcha claimed the title following a nine-rider jump-off. Riding Dinozo Imperio Egipcio, a 13-year-old Selle Français stallion by Diamant de Semilly, bred by Danielle Prince, de Freitas Barcha delivered an outstanding performance. Having finished fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipcio, Brazil’s top-ranked rider recorded the biggest victory of his career.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” he said, visibly emotional. “Winning my first five-star Grand Prix here on this historic Monaco arena is amazing. This victory is for everyone around me. My horse is the ‘special one.’ He always wants to go clear and always gives his best. I feel so lucky to experience this.”
Despite setting the time to beat early, Barcha had to wait until the final jump of the last rider to celebrate his win. French rider Kevin Staut, riding Vida Loca Z, came close to securing a fourth consecutive French victory. However, a slight touch on the final obstacle resulted in a fault that dropped him down the standings.
The podium also featured Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci in second and Germany’s Christian Ahlmann in third. After eight rounds on the Longines Global Champions Tour, Belgium’s Abdel Saïd retained first place ahead of Austria’s Max Kühner and Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander.
Before the Grand Prix, Belgium’s Pieter Devos, riding his 12-year-old mare Jarina J, won the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer – Casino de Monte-Carlo Trophy. “My mare jumped really well today. When she’s feeling good, she’s extremely competitive and very fast,” said Devos.
The final CSI2* event, the Grand Prix Institut Esthederm, was won by American rider Kaitlin Campbell. She edged out Monaco’s 21-year-old Kristina Klebanova by just three hundredths of a second.
The 2026 edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour once again showcased world-class show jumping in Port Hercule, bringing together many of the sport’s leading riders at one of the season’s most prestigious competitions.
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Photo credit: LGCT