Press release from Morocco Royal Tour, edited by World of Showjumping

The highlight of the first stage of the Morocco Royal Tour, the CSI4*-W 1.55m Grand Prix  – Prix de S.A.R. le Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, delivered an unforgettable scenario in Tétouan. Under bright sunshine and in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Moroccan rider Abdeslam Bennani Smires achieved the most important victory of his career. Riding Mister d’Eclipse (Diamant de Semilly x Caretino), he claimed victory just a few months after being crowned Moroccan Champion. A symbolic and historic triumph, secured at home in the most prestigious class of Tétouan.

This first international win holds a special meaning for the Moroccan rider: "It’s an incredible moment, an incredible year. I believe life gives and takes away, but it also gives back. I lost my father this year, which was very hard, but I had the chance to meet a horse like Mister d’Eclipse. I kept fighting, kept working, kept believing, and it paid off – first at the Moroccan Championship, and today here at the MRT. I am convinced he is watching from above and played a part in this. Winning here has a special flavor because it’s a competition we look forward to and prepare for every year. But we remain focused on the Nations Cup next week in Rabat."

Met just over two years ago, Mister d’Eclipse had not been expected to return to top-level competition:"He had a serious injury, and some thought he would be retired. That makes this victory even more special and it’s a true pride to see him in such form today. We try to adapt to him as much as possible; he rarely jumps at home. I am lucky to have such a horse, and this way of working seems to suit him perfectly."

Behind the Moroccan hero, Saudi rider Abdulrahman Alrajhi once again demonstrated his consistency. Already third in yesterday’s 1.50m ranking class, he delivered a flawless double-clear round aboard Heartbeat W (Baloubet du Rouet x Heartbreaker) to claim the second place. The third spot on the podium went to Ukrainian Anastasia Bondarieva, partnered with her faithful Calder (Casall x Coriano).