Port Hercule transforms into one of the world’s most spectacular equestrian arenas from 2nd to 4th July, when the Longines Global Champions Tour – Jumping International de Monte-Carlo returns for its ninth stage of the prestigious international circuit.

Against a backdrop of superyachts, the Mediterranean and Monaco’s iconic architecture, the world’s finest horse and rider combinations will compete across three days of CSI5* competition, with the highlight being the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco on Saturday evening, carrying a prize fund of €600,000.

Founded in 1995 by Diane Fissore and integrated into the Longines Global Champions Tour since its creation in 2006, the Monte-Carlo event has established itself as one of the most demanding stops on the circuit — a technical track that consistently sorts the best from the rest.

Three days of competition

Thursday 2nd July opens with the GCL team competition over two rounds — the first at 1.60m qualifying for the Longines Grand Prix, the second at 1.55m. Friday 3rd July brings the Longines Pro Am Cup Monaco, before Saturday 4th July crowns the Grand Prix winner.

Last year, Simon Delestre and Cayman Jolly Jumper took victory, sounding the Marseillaise for the third consecutive year following Julien Epaillard’s win in 2023 and Inès Joly’s in 2024.

Monaco’s moment?

The Monegasque anthem has yet to ring out on a Saturday evening at Port Hercule — but 2026 may offer the best chance yet. Two Monegasque riders will contest the CSI5*, both with genuine credentials at the top level.

Anastasia Nielsen, just 19-years-old, won her first ever CSI5* Grand Prix at the Longines Global Champions Tour event in Rabat last October. A member of the all-female GCL team Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames for the second consecutive year, she continues to confirm her considerable potential at every stage.

Iñigo Lopez de la Osa Franco, a long-standing presence at the highest level who represents the Monaco Aces in the GCL, will also be competing — with an added incentive: he is coached by none other than the reigning champion, Simon Delestre.

The Pro Am Cup

Friday evening brings the traditional Longines Pro Am Cup Monaco, conceived in 2010 by Charlotte Casiraghi. The format pairs an amateur rider with an international star on a relay course — the amateur tackling seven obstacles at 1.15m before handing over to their partner at 1.30m. Organised in support of AMADE, the event has become one of the most popular fixtures of the Monaco stop, offering young riders the chance to compete alongside their mentors.

Alongside the CSI5*, the programme includes 2* and national competitions, giving Monegasque riders the opportunity to continue building towards the highest level.

See also: 

Interview: Monaco’s show jumping prodigy Íñigo López de la Osa Franco

Image source: Longines Global Champions Tour