At 44 years old, Simon Delestre can boast a well-rounded track record in show jumping. The former world number one (2016) is now at 15e place with two exceptional horses: Gatsby du Tillard et Olga Van de Kruishoeve.
Only Frenchman qualified for the LGCT Cannes Grand Prix this Saturday evening, Messin could be the good surprise. After a second place in 2025 and two third places, the highest step of the podium is missing.
Honored with the title of Knight of the Order of Merit in 2024, Delestre is one of the sure values of theEquestrian tricolore. Thursday evening, during qualifying for the Cannes Grand Prixwith Gatsby du Tillard, the rider was able to do well with a fault (4 penalty points) and an 8e qualifying place for the final bouquet.
Landmark victory in Madrid
“I made a small mistake but we had a good run. The horse jumped well, I would have put a little more pressure on him… But he is exceptional. This is a good introduction. I am satisfied with the qualification because it goes very quickly. We can be out quickly.”
Victorious recently at Madrid Grand Prix, “one of the most difficult on the circuit”Simon Delestre believes a lot in his horse even if he still needs a little more experience: “He is very competitive. If there is a quick barrage, he does not yet have enough experience behind him. But if we achieve two flawless results, we won’t be far from the podium! He’s a great horse who gives a lot of hope. But he’s still a young horse (10 years old), I don’t want to take too many risks with him. HAS”
With Gatsby du Tillard and Golden Boy DK, Simon Delestre had a great season with numerous podiums and prestigious victories with two 10-year-old horses. “These are good sporting moments with horses in their prime and of very high level. HAS”
Before talking about his future goals, we had to talk about his bronze medal with France JO 2024 from Paris. In the première medaille olympique après 4 olympiades !
« Les JO de Paris� Un moment hors du temps
“It was a timeless moment,” he says, still with stars in his eyes. A fabulous event, one of the most beautiful of my life. It was an incredible chance to experience the Games in France and sportingly, it matched. I wanted to make a point of succeeding… it will remain engraved as the great highlight of my career. Today, my medal is in the office among the other trophies. HAS”
And why not pick up a new charm in 2028? Los Angeles ? “It’s a very good objective, we will try to prepare for it. My two horses will be 12 years old, the best age. These will be my 5es Games. But only if I feel like I’m competitive for a podium, otherwise…
In the meantime, Simon Delestre wants to shine Cannes before continuing the circuit (La Baule, Paris, Monaco, etc.) with the sights set on the world championship in Aachen (Germany) with theFrench team. A qualifying event for Los Angeles Olympics 2028. “It would be a good thing to do even if it is not the only qualifying competition. HAS”
In Cannes, Simon Delestre feels a bit at home, enjoying this historic meeting: “It’s a real pleasure to come here. It’s a competition that I appreciate, its environment too. The public is enthusiastic. HAS”
We can’t wait to see the Delestre – Gatsby couple shine this Saturday evening on the sands of Cannes.
