23.10.2026

...LEGENDARY RIDERS PASS THE TORCH

ACCOR ARENA, 2ND DECEMBER 2026

On December 2, the Accor Arena reconnects with its equestrian heritage and opens a new chapter.

“I finished second that day. But Bercy remains the most emotional moment of my career.” Hervé Godignon

Horse GP takes over the Accor Arena for its inaugural edition. Created by Christophe Ameeuw and inspired by the world of Formula 1, this new international CSI5* show jumping event brings together elite-level sport, spectacular performances and entertainment. Just weeks before the event, the legendary riders who made history at Bercy reunited over lunch. To reminisce. And to look ahead.

THE LEGENDS OF BERCY REUNITE AROUND THE TABLE

To bring this new concept to life, Christophe Ameeuw has chosen a venue steeped in history. Long before it became the Accor Arena, the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy played host to some of the most memorable moments in international show jumping. It is here that Horse GP has chosen to make its debut.

Just weeks before the event, Philippe Rozier, Thierry Rozier, Hervé Godignon and Christophe Ameeuw came together to share their memories and expectations for December 2. Joining them were Louis Rossi, bringing a fresh perspective to the sport, and Nicolas Canteloup as host. Filled with anecdotes, emotion and nostalgia, their conversations revealed the deep connection these show jumping legends share with a venue that has played such a significant role in their careers.

“I've never experienced the same level of emotion at any other indoor venue as I have at Bercy,” recalls Philippe Rozier, team Olympic champion at Rio 2016. “I was just over 20 when I first competed at Bercy, and a year later, in 1987, I finished second in the World Cup Final. I remember there was a huge curtain separating the warm-up arena from the competition ring, and when it opened, you were suddenly faced with 15,000 spectators going wild. In France, when you ride in front of your home crowd, you hear them at every fence. They lift you up, and the horses feel it too. At the Accor Arena, the venue's unique layout makes that feeling even more intense. It's incredible. I trust Christophe to turn it into a truly spectacular show.”

“Bercy was the era of Jappeloup and Milton,” adds his brother, Thierry Rozier. “I have incredible memories of those days. They were absolute superstars, filling the stands just like major music artists. I can still hear the announcer asking the crowd to quiet down because the noise was so overwhelming it could unsettle the horses before they entered the ring. With Horse GP, we have all the ingredients to bring that magic back.”

MEMORIES THAT REMAIN AS VIVID AS EVER

Hervé Godignon, team bronze medallist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and multiple European Championship medallist, also experienced some of the most memorable moments of his career at Bercy.

“When Christophe told me about bringing equestrian sport back to Bercy, I immediately shared my memories with him. I particularly remember the 1997 World Cup competition, when I was riding Unic Révillon. That day, we finished second behind John Whitaker and Welham. What's funny is that we crossed paths again not long ago, and he brought up that competition, with his trademark sense of humour, reminding me that I'd lost by less than two seconds. When you watch the video of that round, you'd think I was the one who won, such was the incredible enthusiasm of the crowd. That's the magic of Bercy and the French spectators. The beauty of equestrian sport is that you don't need to be an expert to be captivated by it. Horses bring people together. Today's riders will have the chance to experience the same magic we did.”

HORSE GP DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM MOTORSPORT

“The Accor Arena is a cauldron of excitement. The atmosphere is always incredible, no matter what sport is taking place there,” adds French car and motorcycle racer Louis Rossi, who is also an equestrian and MotoGP pundit for Canal+. “For any sport to evolve, it needs to open itself up and draw inspiration from others. MotoGP and Formula 1 have become much more accessible to wider audiences in recent years, particularly thanks to more immersive content and simple, easy-to-understand formats. That is exactly what Horse GP aims to achieve.”

THE FUTURE OF HORSE GP: A SHORT, ACCESSIBLE FORMAT DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE

Horse GP brings together 40 of the world's top horse-and-rider combinations for an action-packed, one-day event. A speed competition, the Sprint, will determine the starting order for the Grand Prix de Paris. Beyond the sporting action, Horse GP will feature an opening performance by the prestigious Cadre Noir de Saumur and an aftershow by artist Mosimann.

“For those of us who are passionate about the sport, it's easy to get excited about a competition,” explains Christophe Ameeuw. “But if we want to attract people who aren't familiar with equestrian sports, we need to evolve and make them more appealing. That means embracing entertainment and simpler, more accessible formats.”

On Wednesday, December 2, Horse GP opens a new chapter in show jumping history at the Accor Arena.

Discover the full programme:

horsegp.com/program

TICKETING

TWO SESSIONS, ONE EXCEPTIONAL DAY

To give everyone the freedom to experience the HORSE GP their way, tickets for the event are available across two separate sessions:

SESSION 1 — 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Opening show by the Cadre Noir de Saumur, followed by the 1.50m Sprint, which will determine the starting order for the Grand Prix de Paris.

SESSION 2 — from 7:00 PM

The 1.60m Grand Prix de Paris, followed by Mosimann’s concert.