International Jumping Monte-Carlo: the best of equestrian sports on show at Port Hercule
A high-standard horse competition in a very comfortable environment, two clicks away from luxury yachts located in a scenic natural Mediterranean gulf. How is that possible? That only happens in the Principality of Monaco. International Jumping Monte-Carlo repeated the success at the Quai Antoine I (Port Hercule), from the 28th to the 30th June 2018. A unique horse competition under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Presidency of Honour of H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, in close partnership of the Fédération Equestre de la Principauté de Monaco, chaired by Madame Diane Fissore. But which is the backstage of this event?
HelloMonaco interviewed Alizée Porée, project manager of the event in charge at sport level.
HelloMonaco: This stunning event, at its 13th edition, acknowledged by the Longines Global Champions Tour, brings to Port Hercule the best international horse riders in the race for the world championship and many horse lovers, what is the secret of this success?
A.P.: Since its very beginning, way back to 1995 when it started at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille (stylish set at Port Hercule since 2006), this prestigious event has been welcoming the best horse riders. It is definitely a great achievement at technical level and all the professional jockeys are excited to take part to this remarkable contest, major stage of the Global Champions Tour. Basically, I think that what leads to success is the win-win combination of a well-established work team addressed both to the setting-up and the reception of all participants.
HelloMonaco: From the point of view of the event management, which are the most relevant challenges to face?
A.P.: Being at the heart of a densely-populated city is, undoubtedly, quite challenging. In Monaco, many events are organised throughout the year, including the F1 Monaco Grand Prix which has just ended in the same place where we are. We had then to plan the installation of the arena, the stands, the stables and any other commodity in a condensed area just right after the removal of the F1 infrastructures. That required a good deal of time. Quite hard and complex! Anyway, we are always trying to improve the key items of the whole organisation. This year, for example, we focused on increasing the training paddock area and the welcoming village and further features. Every little change requires to be planned in detail: from decorations to any technical device.
HelloMonaco: How is it going the 2018 edition, so far?
A.P.: It is very exciting. Our main mission, as in previous years and even more than in the past, is to gather here the 30 best horse riders worldwide. We have just celebrated the Longines PRO AM Cup Monaco, yesterday night (29th June 2018) and now, our great expectations are for the 5-star Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco, scheduled for this evening (30th June 2018), giving the direct access to Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix (Prague, 13th-16th December 2018). Definitely, the chief event of all three days.
