Combinations to Keep an Eye On: Who Will Rise in Paris?

There’s nowhere in the world quite like Paris. With the Eiffel Tower soaring in the backdrop and a sold-out crowd packing the iconic Champ de Mars, the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris 2025 is set for a showdown of style, sport, and serious stakes.

For fans who know their Dexter from their Don Juan, this is the class that matters most. As the Tour reaches its crucial seventh stage, a star-studded lineup of combinations is set to light up the arena. From former champions to podium hunters, here’s who to keep your eyes on.

Battle of the Paris Champions

Three former Paris winners are back - and they mean business.

Jeanne Sadran & Dexter de Kerglenn
Last year’s home-soil heroine returns with the very horse she claimed victory on in 2024. The French duo is in form and know exactly what it takes to win here.

Christian Ahlmann & Dourkhan Hero Z
The 2020 and 2023 LGCT Grand Prix of Paris winner arrives with an exciting new ride — the 10-year-old Dourkhan Hero Z. This pair is on the rise and could be the surprise package in Paris.

Marlon Modolo Zanotelli
Already an LGCT Grand Prix winner here in the past, Marlon brings both Charly Heart and Scala du Piedroux Z to challenge for the crown once again.

The 2025 LGCT Championship Leader

Gilles Thomas & Ermitage Kalone
The current Championship leader, Gilles Thomas brings out the big guns. This Belgian combination has been a continued  revelation in 2025 following their breakout year in 2024. With their electrifying synergy and rising form, all eyes will be on Gilles and the powerhouse stallion Ermitage Kalone as they aim to solidify their position at the top - and possibly claim a maiden LGCT Grand Prix win on one of the biggest stages of the season.

Other Contenders to Watch Closely

• Max Kühner & EIC Up Too Jacco Blue
  The reigning LGCT Champion and winner in St. Tropez, Kühner is in calculated pursuit of points. Paris could be his moment to make a decisive move in the title race.
• Simon Delestre & Dexter Fontenis Z
  Local legend, home pressure. With the crowd behind them and form on their side, could this be Delestre’s long-awaited LGCT Grand Prix win
• Andreas Schou & Billy Matador
  Quietly consistent and inside the top 10 again, Schou is always dangerous. Matador brings scope and reliability to this high-stakes stage.
• Olivier Philippaerts & H&M Miro
  Fresh off a 2024 Grand Prix win in Stockholm, this pair has confidence and rhythm. Paris could be their next big statement.
• Abdel Saïd & Bonne Amie
  Already booked for the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Prague, but don't count them out for another golden ticket moment in Paris.
• Philippe Rozier
  Paris’ own show jumping statesman, Rozier brings both Le Coultre de Muze and Dirty Sweet. Expect fireworks from this podium regular on home turf.
• Marco Kutscher & Aventador S
  Podium finishers already this season, this duo arrives with experience, precision, and something to prove.
• Oliver Fletcher & Hello William
  British talent on the rise. Fletcher’s breakthrough moment could come here — and Hello William has the form to support it.
• Jack Whitaker & Valmy de la Lande
  Returning to the Tour in style, Whitaker looks to rediscover winning ways with the talented Valmy.
• Denis Lynch
  Still in the hunt for championship points, Lynch brings both Mr Boombastic and Cordial — and his jump-off track record speaks for itself.
• Victor Bettendorf
  2024’s breakout star continues his campaign with Atchoum de la Roque Z and Cancun Torel Z. Always a threat on speed and scope.
• Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen & Equine America Harwich VDL
  Podium finishers in Paris last year, and they arrive this week hungry for redemption and a golden ticket.
• Henrik von Eckermann & Glamour Girl
  A duo that’s no stranger to success. If the rails stay up, this pair can go all the way.
• Jessica Springsteen & Don Juan van de Donkhoeve
  Former LGCT Grand Prix winners at iconic locations, Springsteen returns with her top horse for another big shot in the City of Light.
• Kent Farrington & Myla
  Fresh off a podium in Ramatuelle and with a Super Grand Prix ticket already in his pocket, the Longines World No.1 arrives sharp, focused, and deadly fast.

The Stakes Are High, The Spotlight is Brighter

As the Tour enters its summer stretch, every point matters - and every stride in Paris could count towards the ultimate prize. With championship momentum on the line and the City of Light as the backdrop, this Grand Prix promises unforgettable drama.

Whether you’re in the grandstand or watching live on GCTV, this is where reputations are made and legends are born.