After a few rainy spells that only added to the intensity, the scene is now set for the pinnacle of the Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France: the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, this Sunday, June 8 at 2:00 PM.
Throughout the week, the François André Stadium has been the backdrop for a thrilling display of elite show jumping. Despite uncertain skies, thousands of passionate fans filled the grandstands, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reaffirmed La Baule’s status as one of the most iconic and beloved events on the international calendar.
What a Week in La Baule
Rainy conditions that tested precision and adaptability.
Electrifying performances across all classes.
Team Ireland’s triumph in the Nations Cup, adding a touch of green to the French seaside.
50 riders now qualified for Sunday’s showdown.
RECAP TO THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX VILLE DE LA BAULE
To qualify for the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, riders had to prove themselves in one of three major classes:
Thursday, June 5 – Prix FFE (CSIO5* 1.50m | €35,000)
This opening qualifier, designed by Gregory Bodo, tested speed and accuracy with a Table A against the clock format. Winner: McLain Ward (USA) & High Star Hero – 61.61s. 2nd: Cian O’Connor (IRL) & Gengis Kann de Londe – 62.71s. 3rd: Riccardo Pisani (ITA) & Chacco’s Lawito PS – 63.73s Best French result: Nicolas Sers finishes 12th aboard Eleven de Riverland.
Friday, June 6 – Nations Cup Barrière (CSIO5* 1.60m | €250,000)
In this team competition, 10 nations went head-to-head in two rounds. Victory went to Ireland, 0 faults, Chef d’Équipe : Michael Blake. Team: Bertram Allen, Seamus Hughes Kennedy, Tom Wachman and Cian O’Connor
2nd : Belgium, 4 faults, Chef d’Équipe Peter Weinberg. Team: Nicola Philippaerts, Gilles Thomas, Pieter Devos, and Abdel Saïd.
3rd: Brazil completed the podium, 8 faults, with Chef d’Équipe Piet Raijmakers. Team : Luciana Diniz, Pedro Veniss, Stephan de Freitas Barcha, and Rodrigo Pessoa
Saturday, June 7 – Prix SAUR (CSIO5* 1.50m | €110,000)
This final qualifying class brought 63 riders to the start and delivered a thrilling jump-off. Winner: Shane Sweetnam (IRL) & Gilona AO – 36.28s 2nd: Abdel Saïd (BEL) & Calvaro – 36.56s 3rd: Nadja Peter Steiner (SUI) & Nice van’t Zorgvliet – 36.63s
THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX VILLE DE LA BAULE AWAITS
With 50 qualified riders, the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule promises fireworks. Last year’s winner, World No. 1 Kent Farrington, is back with Greya and in peak form. But the road to victory won’t be easy.
All week long, Team Ireland has been the standout nation, dominating the key classes and proving itself as a force to be reckoned with — including a flawless performance to win the Nations Cup Barrière and a brilliant victory in the final qualifier, the Prix SAUR.
Among the top contenders:
Steve Guerdat (SUI) – Olympic Champion and winner of the Derby de la Baule 2025.
Cian O’Connor (IRL) – Impressive all week and part of Ireland’s winning team.
Jessica Mendoza (GBR) – Always a threat with her speed and determination.
McLain Ward (USA) – Olympic champion.
Kevin Staut (FRA) – Olympic champion and leading the French hopes on home soil.
Will Kent Farrington become a back-to-back winner and join the legends of La Baule such as Pierre Durand, McLain Ward, Roger-Yves Bost, and Patrice Delaveau?
All eyes will be on La Baule this Sunday. One trophy. Fifty contenders. One unforgettable Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule.
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