Under the radiant Breton sun and in front of a full house, the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard 2025 delivered an afternoon of elite sport and unforgettable moments at the Jumping International de Dinard, a Rolex Series event. The legendary Val Porée arena was buzzing with energy as 38 of the world’s best riders (out of 41 on the starting list) took on the CSI5* 1.60m class, designed by Jean-François Morand.

To qualify for the jump-off, riders had to deliver a clear round over a demanding 13-obstacle, 16-effort course — and the tension was palpable from the very first rider.

Alexa Ferrer (FRA), Friday’s CSI5* 1.55m winner, was first to go with Caetlin vd Heffinck Z. Despite a confident round, she picked up 4 faults. Marc Dilasser (FRA) followed and produced the first clear with Arioto du Gevres, opening the door to a potential jump-off.

Nicolas Delmotte (FRA), 2017 Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard winner, came heartbreakingly close — finishing clear on the jumps, but just 0.20s over the time allowed, earning 1 time penalty.

Richard Vogel (GER), reigning European Champion and winner of three CSI5* classes this weekend, also recorded 4 faults in the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard — a clear sign of how demanding the course truly was.

It wasn’t until rider #18, José Antonio Chedraui Prom (MEX) aboard Haraminka P, that the crowd saw a second clear — and the jump-off was on. Nina Mallevaey (FRA) followed with a gutsy clear on Dynastie de Beaufour, sending the home fans into celebration.

Max Kühner (AUT), Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard winner in 2023, secured his jump-off spot with EIC Daloubet. He was joined by Ignacio Maurin (ARG) & Conchado, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) (world no.3) & Steely Dan,  Harrie Smolders (NED) & Mr Tac (formerly ridden by Victor Bettendorf), and Aaron Vale (USA) & Carissimo 25.

The Jump-Off: A Race for Glory

Marc Dilasser set the tone with a double clear in 41.54s, putting the pressure on the remaining contenders. José Antonio Chedraui Prom also went double clear, though slower in 43.49s.

Then came a moment of brilliance from Nina Mallevaey, who rode a tight, aggressive track — despite losing a stirrup near the end — to stop the clock in 40.64s and take the lead.

Henrik von Eckermann delivered a stylish round in 41.78s, slotting just behind Marc Dilasser. But it was Harrie Smolders who really upped the tempo, taking the lead with 40.51s.

And then… the final rider.

Aaron Vale (USA), all power and precision with Carissimo 25, blazed through the course with a fearless ride and took the win in a blazing 38.77 seconds — crowning himself the new king of Dinard.

Final Podium:

Aaron Vale (USA) & Carissimo 25 – 0/0 – 38.77s

Harrie Smolders (NED) & Mr Tac – 0/0 – 40.51s

Nina Mallevaey (FRA) & Dynastie de Beaufour – 0/0 – 40.64s

A standing ovation closed this spectacular Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard, a fitting finale to four unforgettable days of sport, sunshine, and show jumping in Dinard.