27 July 2025

After a lightning-fast jump-off, American rider Aaron Vale claimed victory in the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard, the grand finale of the 2025 edition of the Jumping International de Dinard – once again marked by the presence of the world’s best riders and an exceptional crowd.

France’s Nina Mallevaey delivered an impressive performance to take a well-deserved third place.

“Where’s the champagne? We’re in the land of champagne, aren’t we?” At the warm-up ring, American rider Aaron Vale, World No. 34, savored his victory. Even if cider (or chouchen) is more of a local specialty, he fully deserved to celebrate his first win in a 5-star class. This Sunday at Val Porée, he marked in style the 10th anniversary of the show’s upgrade to 5-star status, a historic event revived by the Mars family. In the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard, a stage of the Rolex Series, he delivered an unforgettable jump-off for the packed crowds who once again turned out in force. He succeeds Kevin Staut, Rolex Testimonee rider and last year’s winner with Beau de Laubry Z, and signs the second American victory at Val Porée after McLain Ward in 2018.

Riding Carissimo 25, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding he has been competing since September 2023, he cleared every challenge with exceptional ease. Last of the eight riders to emerge faultless from the first round designed by French course builder Jean-François Morand, he managed to shave 1’’74 off the time of Dutch rider Harrie Smolders (World No. 19) with Mr Tac – a time many had thought unbeatable.

“At the start of the jump-off, I watched Nina’s round because I know she’s performing really well at the moment and very fast,” the American explained. “When she lost a stirrup, she lost some time, and I thought maybe I could give it a shot. Then Harrie improved Nina’s time, but only slightly. I told myself the door was open.” And he seized the opportunity without a moment’s hesitation. “It was incredible,” he said with a smile. “Winning my first 5-star Grand Prix here is just perfect. Did you see the crowd? Did you see this arena? I went to Aachen in early July, and it wasn’t bad, but I didn’t have much luck there. I went back to the U.S. for the young horses while my groom was taking care of Carissimo. I’ve often come close to winning but never managed to finish the job. This is the most beautiful place to finally do it! For sure I’ll be back next year.”

French rider Nina Mallevaey, World No. 1 in the U25 ranking, briefly had hopes of taking the win. Riding Dynastie de Beaufour, her Selle Français mare who placed 5th in the legendary Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, 2nd in Rotterdam, and 3rd in Rome, she momentarily took the lead in the standings despite losing a stirrup midway through the jump-off, costing her precious tenths of a second. She ultimately finished third… and delighted.

“Jumping a double clear round has a special flavor in a French show,” she smiled. “Dynastie was already amazing in Aachen at the beginning of July. We made sure everything was perfect before bringing her here. She was still super fresh after those two weeks. In this jump-off, I lost time when I lost my stirrup, but I don’t know if I could have beaten Aaron anyway. I’ve been living a dream for several months. I’m surrounded by incredible owners who trust me and a team you don’t always see, but who make everything possible for us to be here now.”

It was also impossible not to mention the unique atmosphere of the show. “The crowd in Dinard is incredible. The atmosphere is just crazy. Even foreign riders say it—it gives you chills! The Rolex Series circuit is amazing. These are clearly the most beautiful shows in the world. Everything is perfect. You just have to enjoy it. These are magical competitions!”

Runner-up to Vale, Harrie Smolders was the first to improve on the French rider’s time with the horse owned by the Mégret family (formerly ridden by Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf, winner of the Saut Hermès in 2023). “Mr Tac is an amazing horse, very competitive,” explained the Dutch rider, currently World No. 19. “He was also second two weeks ago in Hagen. The Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard is always very special during the season. It always leaves you with fantastic memories. You need a bit of time to get used to the arena in the first days because of its undulating terrain, which requires some adjustments. But the horse adapted perfectly and was outstanding today. We saw great sport this Sunday. Aaron deserved his win—he was simply unbeatable.” It’s also worth highlighting the excellent fourth place of Marc Dilasser, the first to start in the jump-off with Arioto du Gèvres.

GRAND PRIX HÔTEL BARRIÈRE: RICHARD VOGEL IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN

The German anthem was undoubtedly the soundtrack of the weekend in Dinard. After Sophie Hinners’ four victories, including the iconic Derby Saur de la Région Bretagne on Saturday, her partner Richard Vogel added a third personal win on Sunday morning in the Grand Prix Hôtel Barrière CSI 3*. In a jump-off with 19 riders, the newly crowned individual European Champion and Rolex Testimonee rider crushed the competition—without even seeming to take all the risks. By riding exceptionally tight turns and making the most of the large stride of his 10-year-old BWP stallion Phenyo van het Keysersbos, he secured victory with 1’’72 ahead of his compatriot Philipp Weishaupt on Coby 8. “I’m very happy with Phenyo,” said Vogel, World No. 9. “I gave him a bit of a break after Aachen in early July, where he won a class. On Friday, he already jumped a good round despite one rail. We were a bit lucky in the first round. In the jump-off, he really helped me at the first fence where I came a bit long, but he adjusted his stride very intelligently. He showed all his qualities and his natural speed.” Among the early starters in the jump-off, Margaux Rocuet delivered a very fine performance to take third place with Elektra des Prémices.

CSI1*, GRAND PRIX LAITERIE DE MONTAIGU: YOUTH TRIUMPHS WITH ZOE VAGEON LEDY

Only three of the nineteen combinations entered in the Grand Prix Laiterie de Montaigu managed to jump clear in the first round. Wearing a perfectly “on-brand” pink jacket to match the décor of the Jumping International de Dinard, Zoe Vageon Ledy, riding Arkana Messipière, was the fastest, finishing ahead of fellow French rider Dorothée Amar, also double clear with Elfy du Pic. The two young ladies had already claimed the top two spots on Thursday in the Prix Datanaute, the opening class of the CSI 1*. “It was a dream to one day compete in this Grand Prix,” said a very emotional Zoé, just 15 years old and vice-European Champion in the Children’s category in 2023. “I’m so happy.” After taking a double win on Saturday, American rider Lauren Skowlund, 19, this time had to settle for third place with Chapeau PS Z after a rail down in the jump-off.

"FOR NEWCOMERS AS WELL AS LOYAL FANS, THE JUMPING INTERNATIONAL DE DINARD REMAINS A TRULY UNIQUE DATE ON THE CALENDAR"

“2025 has once again been a beautiful edition,” began Danièle Mars, President of the Jumping International de Dinard. “Over the four days of competition, we welcomed 48,000 spectators, compared to 45,000 in 2024. There were so many people that I honestly wondered how I would even make my way to the prize-givings! The line-up of riders was exceptional, with a special mention for Richard Vogel and Sophie Hinners, who truly won everyone’s hearts this weekend. This shows that for newcomers as well as loyal fans, the Jumping International de Dinard remains a unique datethat everyone feels attached to. Next year, we look forward to welcoming you from July 30 to August 2, a date that fits perfectly into the 2026 sporting calendar.”

RESULTS