AARON VALE & CARISSIMO AMAZE AT CSIO5* DINARD & WIN THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

After a lightning-fast jump-off - American rider Aaron Vale won the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard, the grand finale of the 2025 CSIO5* Jumping International de Dinard. Once again, the event was marked by the presence of the world's top riders and an enthusiastic, packed crowd.

“Where’s the champagne? We’re in the land of champagne, aren’t we?” joked Aaron Vale at the warm-up ring, savouring his triumph. The American rider, ranked 34 in the world, celebrated his first win in a 5-star class, a milestone that coincided with the 10th anniversary of Dinard’s upgrade to 5-star status, a historic moment revived by the Mars family.

On this special Sunday at Val Porée, Vale delivered an unforgettable jump-off in a Rolex Series stage, thrilling the large crowd that once again turned out in force. He joins the ranks of American winners at Dinard after McLain Ward’s 2018 win.

Riding Carissimo 25, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding he’s competed with since September 2023, Vale navigated each challenge with remarkable ease. Last to go into the jump-off from eight faultless first-round riders, he managed to shave 1.74 seconds off the time set by Dutch rider Harrie Smolders (World No. 19) aboard Mr Tac, a time many believed unbeatable.

“At the start of the jump-off, I watched Nina’s round because I knew she was performing really well and very fast,” Vale explained. “When she lost a stirrup, she lost some time, and I thought maybe I could give it a shot. Harrie then improved Nina’s time, but only slightly. I told myself the door was open.” Seizing the moment without hesitation, he added, “It was incredible. Winning my first 5-star Grand Prix here is just perfect. Did you see the crowd? The arena? I went to Aachen in July, and while that was great, luck wasn’t on my side there. I returned to the USA to focus on young horses while my groom looked after Carissimo. I’ve come close before but never managed to cross the finish line first. This is the most beautiful place to finally do it! I’ll definitely be back next year.”

French rider Nina Mallevaey, ranked World No. 1 in the U25 category, briefly held hopes of victory. Riding Dynastie de Beaufour, her Selle Français mare that was placed 5th at Aachen’s legendary Rolex Grand Prix, 2nd in Rotterdam, and 3rd in Rome, she temporarily led the standings despite losing a stirrup midway through the jump-off, costing her precious seconds. Ultimately, she finished third — but her smile said it all.

“Jumping a double clear round at a French show is special,” she said. “Dynastie was already amazing at Aachen in July. We prepared everything perfectly for this event, and she was still very fresh after those two weeks. I lost time when I lost my stirrup, but I don’t know if I could have beaten Aaron anyway. I’ve been living a dream these past few months. I’m surrounded by incredible owners who trust me, and a supportive team behind the scenes that makes everything possible. I’m so grateful to be here now.”

The atmosphere of the event was equally remarkable. “The crowd in Dinard is incredible. The energy is just crazy. Even foreign riders say it—it gives you chills! The Rolex Series is amazing. These are truly the most beautiful shows in the world. Everything is perfect. You just have to enjoy it. These are magical competitions!”

Harrie Smolders, runner-up to Vale, was the first to beat the French rider’s time with his horse Mr Tac, owned by the Mégret family (formerly ridden by Victor Bettendorf, winner of Saut Hermès in 2023). “Mr Tac is an outstanding horse, very competitive,” said the Dutch rider, currently World No. 19. “He was also second two weeks ago in Hagen. The Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard is always very special during the season. It leaves you with fantastic memories. It takes a few days to get used to the arena’s undulating terrain, but the horse adapted perfectly and performed exceptionally today. It was great sport this Sunday, and Aaron truly deserved his win — he was simply unbeatable.”

--ENDS--

Edited by HT

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