Mâcon Chaintré, France – May 18, 2025 – The public gathered around the Mâconnaise track, at the foot of the Château de Chaintré, for the main event of the weekend at the Jumping International de Mâcon Chaintré CSI 4*. Forty-seven combinations took part in this €106,000 Grand Prix of the City of Mâcon, at 1.55 meters, designed by French course designer Cédric Longis (FRA). At the end of a final with ten jump-offs, the Frenchman Marc Dilasser (SUI) imposed his Make My Day Z du Gèvres and beat the young Arthur Le Vot (FRA), associated with Djinn Cece. Winners of this same Grand Prix, a three-star version, in 2022, Cédric Hurel (FRA) and Fantasio Floreval Z this time claimed third place in the event.
Thirteen obstacles, sixteen efforts, Cédric Longis, course desginer for this competition weekend, had announced a “delicate” test, requiring “concentration and precision of riders from first to last. And indeed it was a subtle and exciting test that we were able to witness the numerous visitors who came to encourage the star combinations of this anniversary edition. Among the favorites, not all managed to qualify for the jump-off. The local Benoît Cernin (FRA), already author of three victories durign the week, gave up after two mistakes with his Dynamite du Miral. The Swiss Pius Schwizer (SUI), winner of the Grand Prix of the City of Mâcon in 2019, failed at oxer number 4, then on the final obstacle of the course.
Eight penalty-points also for Roger-Yves Bost (FRA) and his Delph Denat*HDC, and for Grégory Cottard (FRA) and Cocaine du Val. Victorious last weekend in the 4* Grand Prix of Bourg-en-Bresse, the Aindinoise Mégane Moissonnier (FRA) saw her hopes flew away after a mistake by Bracadabra on the combination placed at number twelve. Fanny Guerdat Skalli (FRA), the Moroccan Abdelkebir Ouaddar (MAR) and the Irishman Mark McAuley (IRL) also left the ring penalized with four points. In total, sixteen combinations made a mistake at the obstacles, including four who returned a few seconds late on the time allocated. Georgia Tame, for her part, was deprived of a jump-off for exceeding the time allowed. However, ten combinations did manage to qualify for the tiebreaker. Ideal scenario for sports enthusiasts.
Three Spanish couples, three French, two Belgians, a Brazilian and a Colombian, those were the nations represented in this very international barrage. First to set off jump-off, the Spaniard Luis Fernandez Gil Fournier (ESP), associated with Ibon, failed in the last two obstacles, oxer number 11 of the initial course, and the vertical “Chaintré” placed at end of the last great gallop. For his part, Ryck Hemeryck (BEL), associated with Inoui du Seigneur, failed at oxer number two and finished in 43.91 seconds. His compatriot Wilm Vermeir (BEL) also knocked down two bars at the end of the jump-off.
It was necessary to wait for fourth start and the French Arthur Le Vot (FRA) to see the first double clear of the test. Supported by the public, especially in the final straight, he completed his jump-off performance in 44.42 seconds and took control of the event with Djinn Cece.
In his pursuit, the Brazilian Pedro Veniss (BRA) failed to avoid two errors from Duelante 3K and finally finished tenth. The only qualified female rider in the jump-off, Imma Roquet Autonell (ESP) then had four penalty-points with Irivola Del Maset. Their time of 45.77 seconds would allow them to grab seventh place. Left on a much higher pace, her compatriot Hugo Alvarez Amaro (ESP), associated with Casaspezia lowered the Frenchman’s timer by more than a second and crossed the finish line in 43.27 seconds…But with a fault on the final vertical!
Same scenario for the René Lopez Lizarazo (COL) and his Londina. With a slightly slower timer, 44.38 seconds, they ended up claiming sixth place. There were then only two competitors left to rush forward, and victory would assuredly be French.
Carried by an enthusiastic public and under the admiring look of the owners of the gris, Marc Dilasser (FRA) and Make My Day Z du Gèvres managed to return with half a second ahead of the Breton and settled at the top os stadings.
But the last couple to make their entrance foreshadowed a finale exciting. Cédric Hurel (FRA)and Fantasio Floreval Z, well known for their usual speed, were eight jumps from victory and set off at full speed on the big track. Yes, but there you go, at the end of the suspense, the final vertical did not hold up, and even with two seconds ahead of Marc Dilasser, the 2024 French Pro Elite Champion had to admit defeat. With a smile despite everything, he climbs onto the beautiful third step of this podium 100% tricolor.
La Marseillaise, sung by the crowd at the edge of the ring in honor of Marc Dilasser (FRA)at the end of this Grand Prix of the City of Mâcon, closes four days of intense competition, under a beautiful sun and on a site praised by many renowned riders. Full house for the Mâcon Chaintré Événements Association which celebrated this year the fifteen anniversary of the international showjumping event.
Words of the Winner – Marc Dilasser (FRA)
“I’m really delighted, I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better! This is the third victory in Grands Prix by Make My Day Z du Gèvres. She won the secondary Grand Prix last year at the Paris Eiffel Jumping, she won in Lille and now here in Mâcon. She made her debut in the Nations Cup in Ocala in a big way in March so the next goal is La Baule at the beginning of June. The course was truly a classic “à la Cédric Longis”, that is to say, very open, very delicate as he usually does. It creates real courses dedicated to riders where everyone can choose different routes depending on their horse. The course was very subtle, there were the necessary number of flawless rounds. Cedric Longis is truly a sure value among the world’s leading course designers! The course designed was worthy of a four star! In the jump-off, I knew that Fantasio, Cédric Hurel’s horse who would go after me, would be the fastest so I didn’t want to flatten my mare by trying stupidly to try something that I wouldn’t be able to do. I aimed for the podium. When I entered the ring, there was only one clear round so I played, while going at speed of my mare. Today, I got lucky and it happened! We had a lovely week here in Mâcon, the facilities are superb, very functional and everything is well thought. A big thank you to the entire organizing team!”
Cédric Longis (FRA) – Course Designer
“I had chosen to build a delicate course in the first round, which encourages the riders to concentrate from start to finish and which creates small mistakes everywhere. I wanted a barrage that was just as subtle because I like the jump-offs to be galloping, spectacular but remain demanding for the riders. We therefore left vertical enough high in the tiebreaker. I admit that I did not think that the last would fall so much! But that kept the suspense going until the end! We had a great weekend in Mâcon, the conditions are exceptional, the ground is perfect, the obstacles are beautiful, the efficient track team, top assistants and excellent riders. I can’t dream better! I hope my friend will invite me back (laughs).”
Isabelle Breul – President of the Jumping International de Mâcon Chaintré
“We have just had an incredible week and I am delighted that it ended with this exciting Grand Prix, in which we were able to admire many champions. I am also very proud of the work that we have accomplished in fifteen years to achieve such level of events. This week, we received many compliments from all the riders, grooms, but also of our partners and the public. This will push us to continue improving for the coming years. I want particularly to thank the City Hall of Mâcon and that of the Commune of Chaintré, as well as as all of our public and private partners, for their unfailing long-term support. From the bottom of my heart, I also thank Sébastien Dauvergne, our sports director, Yonnec Amara, Aurore Pautret and their teams, the volunteers of the Mâcon Association Chaintré Événements and all the teams who work on a daily basis to ensure the success of numerous events that we host here and of which international jumping is the high point. This anniversary edition will remain engraved in our memories and it is a beautiful reward for all the work accomplished by everyone over many years. THANKS!”
Sébastien Dauvergne – Director of the Jumping International de Mâcon Chaintré
“I would never have imagined, twelve years ago, when I arrived on the Mâcon Chaintré Événements team that we would one day host a competition of such a level and so many international riders. I thank Isabelle Breul for her trust and salute the incredible work from all the teams who work here all year round alongside us. Live this anniversary edition in such a beautiful way and receive compliments from the best world riders is a great reward for all of us! Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone those who bring MCE events to life throughout the year!
Final Results – €106,000 Grand Prix of the City of Mâcon CSI 4*
1) Marc Dilasser (FRA) & Make My Day Z du Gèvres – 0 / 0 – 43.71
2) Arthur Le Vot (FRA) & Djinn Cece – 0 / 0 – 44.42
3) Cédric Hurel (FRA) & Fantasio Floreval Z – 0 / 4 – 41.76
Source: Press Release from by Eloïse Lépine / El Comm for Jumping International de Mâcon Chaintré
Photos: © Agence Bouillot
Discover more from JUMPER NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News France
