The Académie équestre Bartabas put on a short performance for show jumping insiders gathered at the Grande Écurie du rio. Ph. Jessica Rodrigues/RB Presse
With the launch of its new website and a glittery press conference held in unmistakably French style, the anticipation for Jumping International du château de Versailles CSI5* has moved into high gear.
“It will be three days of great sport in a fabulous jewel of history,” said Gérard Manzinali, president of MG-Events and organizer of this brand new event, to be held May 5-7, 2017 in Versailles, France.
The location of the show, which was officially announced last December, will be the Grande Écurie du roi, a palace for horses that was built in 1682 under the direction of Jules Hardouin-Mansart for Louis XIV. Known as the Royal Stables, it once employed 1,000 people and was housed the horses of the King. Located directly across the Avenue de Paris from the famous Palace of Versailles, the venue will welcome international show jumping for the first time ever, to its open courtyard that faces the Palace.
In attendance for the kickoff event held inside the Grande Écurie du roi on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 were Jean-Maurice Bonneau, sport director, Kevin Staut, team Olympic champion, and Guillaume Canet, actor, producer and rider, who all confirmed the importance of the creation of such an event in the top-level equestrian sports scene in France.
Both 5* and 1* classes are on the schedule, among them three major events: the Prix French Tour Generali on the Friday night, the Prix Ville de Versailles – Renault on the Saturday night, and the Grand Prix Rolex Sunday afternoon. Spectators will also have this opportunity to visit the Galerie des carrosses which will stay open during the event. More information can be found here.