After a lightning-fast jump-off, American rider Aaron Vale claimed victory in the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard, the grand finale of the 2025 edition of the Jumping International de Dinard – once again marked by the presence of the world’s best riders and an exceptional crowd.
France’s Nina Mallevaey delivered an impressive performance to take a well-deserved third place.
Aaron Vale (USA) and Carissimo 25. (Sportfot)
“Where’s the champagne? We’re in the land of champagne, aren’t we?” At the warm-up ring, American rider Aaron Vale, World No. 34, savored his victory. Even if cider (or chouchen) is more of a local specialty, he fully deserved to celebrate his first win in a 5-star class. This Sunday at Val Porée, he marked in style the 10th anniversary of the show’s upgrade to 5-star status, a historic event revived by the Mars family. In the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard, a stage of the Rolex Series, he delivered an unforgettable jump-off for the packed crowds who once again turned out in force. He succeeds Kevin Staut, Rolex Testimonee rider and last year’s winner with Beau de Laubry Z, and signs the second American victory at Val Porée after McLain Ward in 2018.
Riding Carissimo 25, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding he has been competing since September 2023, he cleared every challenge with exceptional ease. Last of the eight riders to emerge faultless from the first round designed by French course builder Jean-François Morand, he managed to shave 1’’74 off the time of Dutch rider Harrie Smolders (World No. 19) with Mr Tac – a time many had thought unbeatable.
“At the start of the jump-off, I watched Nina’s round because I know she’s performing really well at the moment and very fast,” the American explained. “When she lost a stirrup, she lost some time, and I thought maybe I could give it a shot. Then Harrie improved Nina’s time, but only slightly. I told myself the door was open.” And he seized the opportunity without a moment’s hesitation. “It was incredible,” he said with a smile. “Winning my first five-star Grand Prix here is just perfect. Did you see the crowd? Did you see this arena? I went to Aachen in early July, and it wasn’t bad, but I didn’t have much luck there. I went back to the U.S. for the young horses while my groom was taking care of Carissimo. I’ve often come close to winning but never managed to finish the job. This is the most beautiful place to finally do it! For sure I’ll be back next year.”
French rider Nina Mallevaey, World No. 1 in the U25 ranking, briefly had hopes of taking the win. Riding Dynastie de Beaufour, the Selle Français mare who placed fifth in the legendary Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, second in Rotterdam, and third in Rome, she momentarily took the lead in the standings despite losing a stirrup midway through the jump-off, costing her precious tenths of a second. She ultimately finished third… and delighted.
“Jumping a double clear round has a special flavor in a French show,” she smiled. “Dynastie was already amazing in Aachen at the beginning of July. We made sure everything was perfect before bringing her here. She was still super fresh after those two weeks. In this jump-off, 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 for several months. I’m surrounded by incredible owners who trust me and a team you don’t always see, but who make everything possible for us to be here now.”
It was also impossible not to mention the unique atmosphere of the show. “The crowd in Dinard is incredible. The atmosphere is just crazy. Even foreign riders say it—it gives you chills! The Rolex Series circuit is amazing. These are clearly the most beautiful shows in the world. Everything is perfect. You just have to enjoy it. These are magical competitions!”
Runner-up to Vale, Harrie Smolders was the first to improve on the French rider’s time with the horse owned by the Mégret family (formerly ridden by Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf, winner of the Saut Hermès in 2023). “Mr Tac is an amazing horse, very competitive,” explained 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 always leaves you with fantastic memories. You need a bit of time to get used to the arena in the first days because of its undulating terrain, which requires some adjustments. But the horse adapted perfectly and was outstanding today. We saw great sport this Sunday. Aaron deserved his win—he was simply unbeatable.” It’s also worth highlighting the excellent fourth place of Marc Dilasser, the first to start in the jump-off with Arioto du Gèvres.
Results here.
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