HORSE POWER: The Heavy Hitters of Cannes

The horsepower is heating up on the French Riviera as the Longines Global Champions Tour returns to Cannes for Stage 5 of the 2025 season — and this one promises fireworks.

From 5–7 June, under the floodlights and just footsteps from the iconic Croisette, the LGCT Grand Prix and GCL of Cannes will see a glittering roll-call of the sport’s elite combinations go head-to-head. With championship momentum on the line and the Riviera crowd ready to roar, this is where reputations are made and titles are shaped.

For the show jumping super fan, the line-up is nothing short of electric. From title defenders to emerging threats, here are the combinations you won’t want to miss.

BACK TO DEFEND THE CROWN

Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann & Messi van’t Ruytershof
The defending champions of the LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes return in formidable form. Janne and Messi lit up the Riviera last season and have been building quietly but consistently in 2025. Can they make it back-to-back wins on the Riviera?

THE HEADLINERS

With eight of last year’s top ten riders and, or horses back to make their mark again in 2025, all eyes are going to be on the all-star start list.

Malin Baryard-Johnsson & H&M Indiana
A GCL power duo and one of the most successful partnerships in GCL history, Malin and Indiana were instrumental in Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses’ win in Cannes last year. Known for their explosive power and big-match temperament, they're always in the hunt - especially when the lights come on.

Max Kühner & EIC Up Too Jacco Blue
The reigning LGCT Champion and winner of the 2024 Grand Prix in St. Tropez, Kühner is locked in. Jacco Blue is a weapon, Kühner knows exactly what it takes to win when it counts - and Cannes could be a critical stop in his title defence.

Maikel van der Vleuten & Beauville Z N.O.P
Back in Cannes with Beauville after a podium finish last year with another mount, Maikel’s got form, firepower, and timing. He’s one to watch with serious winning potential.

Edwina Tops-Alexander & Fellow Castlefield
Winner of the 2023 LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid, Edwina brings experience, precision, and grit. She and Castlefield are always contenders when the pressure ramps up—and Cannes has long been a happy hunting ground.

JUMP-OFF DANGERS

Sophie Hinners & Iron Dames My Prins van Dorperheide
Blistering in the jump-off and fiercely consistent, this pair could cause an upset. My Prins already has a GP win on his record (Mexico City 2023 with David Will), and under Sophie’s guidance, the trajectory is sky-high.

Thibeau Spits & Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z
A podium finish feels imminent. Winner of the LGCT Grand Prix of Riesenbeck 2024 and narrowly missing the podium in Cannes last season, Thibeau and Impress-K are gaining steam. A dark horse turned legitimate threat.

Simon Delestre & Cayman Jolly Jumper
The local hero and his dynamic partner are overdue for a LGCT Grand Prix win. Cannes could be the moment for this Frenchman and his star partner. With form and firepower on their side, Delestre is knocking louder than ever on the LGCT Grand Prix winner’s door.

READY FOR THE BREAKTHROUGH

Christian Kukuk & Just Be Gentle / Chageorge
Two horses. One goal. Kukuk has a serious arsenal, with Just Be Gentle - the breakout star of Doha 2023 – and fifth place getters in Cannes last year in the LGCT Grand Prix, as well as podium finishers in the GCL, showing nothing but talent and Chageorge right on the brink of a major podium. Is this the week it all comes together?

Christian Ahlmann & Dourkhan Hero Z
Fourth in Mexico City and hungry for more. Ahlmann is no stranger to podium finishes and with Dourkhan in stride, Cannes could provide the perfect springboard to a breakthrough 2025 win.

Andreas Schou &  Darc de Lux and Napoli vh Nederassenthof

A top ten finish in the 2024 Championship Standings, Schou brings his dream team of the ever consistent Darc de Lux and the big eye catching Napoli. Napoli and Schou were fourth in Shanghai 2025, consistency is their calling card - and Cannes suits them well.

Lorenzo de Luca & Jappeloup

Reunited and regaining rhythm. Clear in Shanghai, this stylish duo could surge to the top in Cannes. De Luca and the eye catching stallion are knocking on the door – could it open for them in Cannes?

BRITISH POWER PLAYS

Harry Charles & Sherlock
Fresh off their triumph at LGCT London 2024, Harry and Sherlock are brimming with confidence. They’ve shown they can handle the heat of a five-star LGCT Grand Prix - can they now deliver away from home?

Ben Maher with Point Break & Ginger Blue
Class is permanent. With two world-class horses and one of the sport’s most composed minds, Maher’s arsenal is always a threat. He is playing the long game this season, but both of these mounts are podium-ready and razor-sharp under pressure.

John Whitaker & Equine America Unick du Francport
Legends of the game and veterans of the podium, this duo always brings magic. Don’t count them out - especially when the setting is this spectacular.

THE WILD CARDS

Ioli Mytilineou & La Perla VD Heffnick
While her LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid-winning mount sits this one out, Ioli is brimming with confidence and talent. A back-to-back Grand Prix win would etch her name into LGCT history.

Michael Duffy & Claptonn Mouche
Duffy and Claptonn were among the most exciting jump-off combinations in 2024 - winning in Miami Beach and placing third in Shanghai, before another high-octane performance in the recent 2025 LGCT Grand Prix in Shanghai. Their sharpness in the ring could be the edge they need in Cannes.

Max Wachman with GRS Lady Amaro
A new partnership, but no strangers to the big stage. GRS Lady Amaro, snuck inside the top ten here last year with Mark McAuley, and now returns to the LGCT circuit with a legacy of success. Will Wachman unlock that winning formula?

Kim Emmen & Imagine N.O.P
Stylish, smart, and always in the mix. This Dutch duo are serial top-10 finishers and just a heartbeat away from a LGC Grand Prix breakout.

Harrie Smolders & Monaco N.O.P
Crowd favourites with a serious reputation, this is one of the most experienced combinations on Tour. If the rhythm is right, they’re podium bound.

Want to See the Action Live?

The lights. The legends. The Riviera magic. Cannes is a highlight on the 2025 calendar - and the Longines Global Champions Tour is your ticket to the world. From the thrill of the jump-offs to the pulse of the beachfront crowd, this is sport at its most cinematic.

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