Aaron Vale & Carissimo Claim the Crown of the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard CSI 5*

By Jumper News USA on July 31, 2025

Dinard, France – July 27, 2025 – After a lightning-fast jump-off, American rider Aaron Vale (USA) claimed victory in the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix City of Dinard CSI 5*, the grand finale of the 2025 edition of the Jumping International de Dinard CSI 5* & CSI 3* – once again marked by the presence of the world’s best riders and an exceptional crowd. France’s Nina Mallevaey (FRA) 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 (USA), 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 €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix City of Dinard CSI 5*, 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 (FRA), 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 (USA) 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 (FRA), he managed to shave 1’’74 off the time of World No. 19 the Dutch rider Harrie Smolders (NED) 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.”