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Grass before glory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Every year, La Baule fills its grandstands in a way only the greatest competitions can. Every year, the biggest names in international show jumping answer the call. But the 2026 edition carries a particularly special significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In less than two months, all eyes will turn to the World Championships in Aachen. Just as in Germany and Rome, riders will compete this week on grass footing\u2014no minor detail. For selectors, team managers, and riders alike, La Baule represents one of the final major opportunities to test themselves on grass before the world title showdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And judging by the entry lists, no one is treating this appointment lightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Belgium arrives fully loaded with Nicola Philippaerts, winner of the 2023 Rolex Grand Prix of La Baule, and Gilles Thomas, team gold medallist and individual bronze medallist at the latest European Championships. For many, Ermitage Kalone is among the most eagerly anticipated horses of the weekend. And, of course, there is the experienced Gr\u00e9gory Wathelet, still the undisputed leader of the Red Musketeers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Germany will rely on Richard Vogel and the impressive United Touch S, recent winners of the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen and reigning European Champions. Daniel Deusser returns to the venue where he triumphed last year aboard Otello de Guldenboom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Great Britain brings world number two Scott Brash and Harry Charles, his teammate in the Olympic gold-medal-winning squad in Paris 2024. Sweden, meanwhile, can count on reigning World Champion Henrik von Eckermann.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Switzerland is equally well represented with Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat, while the United States fields proven stars McLain Ward and Laura Kraut alongside rising talent Lillie Keenan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Italy will notably be represented by Piergiorgio Bucci, fresh from victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome. French fans will also be curious to see Dubai du C\u00e8dre\u2014now renamed Diriyah\u2014under the saddle of Saudi rider Abdullah Al Sharbatly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n French supporters will have plenty of reasons to fill the stands. Seventeen French riders are entered for this year\u2019s edition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pour la tr\u00e8s attendue Coupe des nations Barri\u00e8re, la s\u00e9lection fran\u00e7aise s’appuiera sur Julien Epaillard et Fringan de Vesquerie, Antoine Ermann avec Floyd des Pr\u00e9s, Nina Mallevaey associ\u00e9e \u00e0 Dynastie de Beaufour, Olivier Perreau sur Dorai d’Aiguilly et Kevin Staut avec F\u00e9line de Hus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Behind this squad, twelve other French riders will be looking to make their mark: Roger-Yves Bost, Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier Boudant, Marie Demonte, Marc Dilasser, C\u00e9dric Hurel, Nicolas Layec, Charlotte Leoni, Robin Lesqueren, Edward Levy, M\u00e9gane Moissonnier, Nicolas Sers, and Lara Tryba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is, however, one notable absentee. Initially entered, Simon Delestre has withdrawn following the fall he suffered last weekend at the Cannes International Jumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sohorse.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/LUISRUAS_NATIONSCUP-4-2280x1520.jpg\")
Heavyweights everywhere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe French armada ready to ignite the crowd<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Much more than a Rolex Grand Prix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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