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Germany’s David Will and top horse Mic Mac du Tillard lead the way into the second round of what is unfolding as a scorching Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco presented by Sapinda. The pair rode a stunning round, with David Will (GER) looking on fantastic form with his spirited chestnut mare. 

Luc Musette has set the bar high for the first round of competition, designed to challenge the best international riders in the world. Nestled between the super yachts and the Formula 1 pitlane, 42 top combinations took to the arena and centre stage in the heart of the Principality. 

16 went through with zero faults, with Irish star Bertram Allen (IRL) and Molly Malone scraping into the next round with the fastest of the four faults. Marlon Zanotelli was the final rider to progress through, after he too went through on four with Extra van Essene. 

Audrey Coulter (USA) was the first to jump clear with Capital Colnardo, making the 1.60m jumps look effortless as the stallion took them in his stride. She was quickly joined by Christina Liebherr (SUI), Janne-Friederike Meyer (GER)  and Jos Verlooy (BEL) with Caracas, all of whom earned their place into round two. 

Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) set the initial early pace after a beautiful round with his 11 year old bay stallion Bisquet Balou C, however he was soon pipped to pole position for round two by Germany’s David Will (GER) who set off at a blistering pace around the tight course. David rode his chestnut mare Mic Mac du Tillard beautifully, turning sharply but allowing enough time to allow for careful jumping. 

Scott Brash (GBR) showcased another masterful round with the relatively young Hello Guv’Nor, and was joined by compatriot Laura Renwick (GBR) with Bintang II. Final rider to go John Whitaker (GBR) and Ornellaia didn’t disappoint, with the pair finishing second in the Grand Prix here last year. They too joined those through to round two, splitting the two young riders Nicola and David, and will look to finish high at the prestigious Grand Prix. With the likes of Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE), Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA), Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Jerome Guery (BEL), Denis Lynch (IRL) and Cassio Rivetti (UKR), it’s set to be a nail-biting second round of action in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco presented by Sapinda.

Source: LGCT

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