St. Tropez, France — September 18, 2025 — Another splendid day at the Polo Club Saint-Tropez – Haras de Gassin, highlighted by the victory of American rider Karl Cook (USA) and his outstanding mare Caracole de La Roque in the Grand Prix CSIO 5* at 1.60m, presented by Groupe Nice Matin. Jeanne Sadran (FRA) delivered the best French performance, securing fourth place with her brilliant Dexter de Kerglenn.

Forty-nine combinations came forward for the Grand Prix CSIO 5* at 1.60m, presented by Groupe Nice Matin, designed over two rounds by French course designer Grégory Bodo (FRA). The opening track featured 14 obstacles and 17 jumping efforts, with the closing stages – notably the triple combination at fence 13 set against the warm-up arena – proving particularly testing.

In the end, nine riders managed to unlock the course and earn their ticket to the second round, reserved for the top twelve. Among them, five women: Sweden’s Wilma Hellström (SWE) with her loyal Cicci BJN, America’s Laura Kraut (USA) with Bisquetta, and France’s Jeanne Sadran (FRA), riding the brilliant Dexter de Kerglenn, all delivered flawless opening clears.

They were joined by Nina Mallevaey (FRA) on Destine To Be and Erika Lickhammer-Van Helmond (SWE) with I. Comme Tessa VHL. The men, however, were not to be outdone: Karl Cook (USA) and his extraordinary Caracole de La Roque set the tone, followed by Stephan de Freitas Barcha (BRA) on Dinozo Império Egípcio, runner-up already on Thursday evening. Simon Delestre (FRA) guided the promising nine-year-old Golden Boy DK into the second round, while Switzerland’s Alain Jufer (SUI) also booked his place aboard Dante MM.

A High-Class Second Round

Riders returned in reverse order of ranking, with Karl Cook (USA) – trained by French legend Eric Navet (FRA) – holding the advantage after recording the fastest time in round one. Before him, Brazil’s Stephan de Freitas Barcha (BRA) had snatched the lead in 41.59 seconds, edging world no. 12 Laura Kraut (USA), who had crossed the timers in 41.76 seconds.

But Cook relied on the agility and scope of his bay mare to stop the clock at 41.06 seconds, claiming his third Grand Prix CSIO 5* victory after Rotterdam (NED), third leg of the Longines League of Nations™, and Falsterbo (SWE).

“Our horses arrived later than expected at the show, so there was a little uncertainty about their condition. Apparently Caracole wasn’t bothered and seemed delighted to be back in France! Winning is always special, but going last in the jump-off makes it even sweeter. The facilities are incredible, the arena and warm-up are spacious, which we really appreciate. The setting and the atmosphere also help us feel at our best,” said the day’s winner.

Despite arriving in Gassin unwell, Jeanne Sadran (FRA) showed resilience by producing another immaculate clear in 44.12 seconds, securing a fine fourth place – an encouraging sign ahead of Sunday’s League of Nations. “I’m very happy because I broke my ribs two weeks ago and am only just returning to competition. I’m delighted with a strong result in the Grand Prix. I kept things reasonable in the jump-off because the League remains the main objective. Dexter feels in peak form. The show is magnificent, and it’s always a pleasure to compete on such arenas, especially here at home,” the rider from Toulouse said.

With two riders on the podium, Team USA underlined their strength ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

Final Results – €308,800 Grand Prix CSIO 5*, presented by Groupe Nice Matin – Var Matin

1) Karl Cook (USA) & Caracole de La Roque — 0 / 0 — 41.06

2) Stephan de Freitas Barcha (BRA) & Dinozo Império Egípcio — 0 / 0 — 41.59

3) Laura Kraut (USA) & Bisquetta — 0 / 0 — 41.76

Source: Press Release from Polo Club Saint-Tropez

Photos: © Agence Ecary / Sara Bedu

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