Press release from Longines Global Champions Tour, edited by World of Showjumping

The CSI5* 1.60m Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Ramatuelle, St. Tropez delivered exactly the kind of drama the French Riviera has become famous for. A star-studded field arrived at Pampelonne Beach chasing a share of the €500,000 prize fund, but when the dust settled it was two U25 riders left standing.

In a remarkable twist, just two horse-and-rider combinations found the answer to a demanding first-round track, setting up a head-to-head jump-off between Monaco's Anastasia Nielsen on ESI Rocky (Stakkato Gold x For Pleasure) and Belgium's Thibeau Spits with Impress-K van’T Kattenheye Z (Indoktro K van’T Kattenheye x Vagabond de La Pomme).

Recently celebrating her 20th birthday, Anastasia Nielsen delivered one of the standout performances of the season to secure the second Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix victory of her career. Still processing the magnitude of the moment, Anastasia admitted she was struggling to find the words. "I honestly have no words. I'm so happy. I was so grateful for jumping clear in the first round - it was a tough track. I haven't jumped that many five-star classes with Rocky, but he's an unbelievable fighter and he just tries everything to make everything possible. It's amazing."

The victory held even greater significance given her history at the venue. Returning to a place where she had already enjoyed success earlier in her career, Anastasia reflected on just how special the moment felt. "I honestly love this place. I love this show. Back in 2021, I won the one-star Grand Prix here with my horse Zero. I remember how happy we were then, and to be back here five years later and win the five-star LGCT Grand Prix is just amazing."

Reflecting on the people behind her success, Anastasia was quick to share the achievement with those closest to her: "I have to thank Cameron, my trainer, the Iron Dames, my family and all my friends. They're so supportive and that means the world. I couldn't do it without any of them."

Runner-up Thibeau Spits had no regrets about his approach in the jump-off, admitting that once Anastasia had laid down the challenge, there was only one option. "Anastasia did exactly what she had to do. I think it was beatable, but I couldn't just go for a clear round - I really had to try. In the end, maybe I underestimated one line a little bit, but I knew I had to give it a go. Anastasia really deserved the win today."

Despite narrowly missing out on victory, the Belgian rider reflected positively on another outstanding week, following his GCL podium with Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team. "I'm very happy with my weekend. The stability we have at this level is what makes me happiest. To be successful at this level means a lot to me."

Returning to the St. Tropez podium two years on from his memorable Grand Prix victory at Pampelonne Beach, Max Kühner (AUT) on EIC Up Too Jacco Blue (Chacco-Blue x Douglas) once again demonstrated his remarkable consistency at the highest level.

Despite narrowly missing out on the jump-off, the Austrian was pleased to secure another top-three finish. "I'm very happy with third place. I was hoping for a top five, but now I'm very happy with this placing." Kühner also praised the technical test set by the Uliano Vezzani, which produced just two clear rounds. "I think it was a well-built technical course with some technical difficulties, but they were interesting to ride. I think it was well done."

The battle for the 2026 Longines Global Champions Tour overall ranking took another dramatic twist in St Tropez as Abdel Saïd (BEL) jumped into the overall lead. The Belgian rider now sits on 133 points after a remarkable run of consistency that includes victories in Cannes and St Tropez. Germany's Katrin Eckermann remains his closest challenger on 127 points, continuing her impressive season-long form, while home favourite Simon Delestre (FRA) holds third on 118.67 points. Ireland's Michael Pender moves into fourth on 109 points following his breakthrough victory in Cannes, while St Tropez runner-up Thibeau Spits breaks into the overall ranking top five on 100 points. With just 33 points separating the top five and major stops including Paris, Monaco and London still to come, the race for the 2026 title is far from over.