A dazzling night at Port Hercule saw Felipe Coutinho Mendonca Nagata and Giacomo Paneraj race to victory in the Longines Pro-Am Cup, supporting AMADE.
The iconic Port Hercule played host to a spirited evening of sport and celebration on Friday, as the Longines Pro-Am Cup lit up Monaco with fast-paced relay action and unforgettable moments - all in support of AMADE, the charitable initiative under the patronage of H.R.H. The Princess of Hanover. This year’s edition raised an impressive €20,000 for the cause.
Founded in 2010 by Charlotte Casiraghi, the Longines Pro-Am Cup has become a highlight of the Monaco leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour. Pairing amateur talent with elite professionals in a team format, the class showcases the camaraderie and family essence at the heart of equestrian sport.
Eleven teams took to the compact Monaco arena, navigating a two-round speed challenge where precision and quick thinking were key. As twilight settled over the harbour, the crowd roared in support, adding to the electric atmosphere in the stands.
Stealing the spotlight this year was Team Paneraj & Partner Estate, who delivered a textbook performance to take the win. With professional rider Felipe Coutinho Mendonca Nagata and rising talent Giacomo Paneraj setting the pace, their combined time of 65.65 seconds was enough to seal the victory.
“It’s such a dream to win the Pro-Am Cup,” Giacomo shared with a beaming smile. “It’s been a dream for a long time. I’m really happy, my horse gave it his all, we were really connected and I am so proud.”
He went on to add, “the crowd were incredible, so much cheering!”
Coming in a close second was Team CTM, featuring Katharina Rhomberg and Milenna Pappas, who finished on 65.92 seconds - just 0.27 seconds shy of the lead. The fierce competition between the top teams kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final moments.
Team Fédération Équestre de Monaco, with none other than Philippe Rozier and the ever-competitive Sophia Aurelia George, rounded out the podium. Their strong combined time of 67.36 seconds earned them third, thanks to two composed and well-executed rounds.
Prizes were awarded in an elegant ceremony attended by S.A.R La Princesse Caroline de Hanovre and Madame Charlotte Casiraghi, Benjamin Manoukian Communication Manager of Longines France and Florian Cohen Sales manager Longines France - with signature Longines watches presented to both the winners.
As the Monaco stage continues to deliver world-class entertainment, all eyes now turn to tomorrow’s €1.5 million Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco, set to dazzle under the floodlights at 20:15 local time.
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