Ireland’s Ciaran Nallon Wins CSI5* 1.50m PremiuMares Jump-Off in St. Tropez

In a heart-stopping finish, Ireland's Ciaran Nallon and Megalon K claimed victory in the CSI5* 1.50m PremiuMares Jump-Off class at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Ramatuelle, St. Tropez.

The Longines Global Champions Tour of Ramatuelle, St. Tropez, delivered an electrifying showdown on Friday afternoon, June 12, 2026. The CSI5* 1.50m PremiuMares Jump-Off class featured 16 world-class horse-and-rider combinations, each vying for victory in a breathtaking battle against the clock.

The event, held under the warm south of France sunshowcased the finest in equestrian talent, with riders pushing their mounts to the limit in pursuit of glory. The packed grandstand, overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean coastline, bore witness to a display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination that left spectators in awe.

The Thrilling Jump-Off

The jump-off was a pure race against the clock, where every stride, every turn, and every risk carried enormous consequences. The course, designed by Uliano Vezzani, tested the riders’ ability to navigate tight turns and maintain speed while clearing the challenging obstacles.

Drawn first, Peder Fredricson set the initial benchmark aboard SV Vroom de la Pomme Zstopping the clock at 40.07 seconds. His smooth, economical round set the tone for the competition, with subsequent riders striving to match or surpass his time.

However, it was Ciaran Nallon and Megalon K who ultimately stole the show. With a blistering double clear in 34.77 seconds, they claimed victory by a razor-thin margin of just 0.13 seconds over Germany’s Katrin Eckermann and Iron Dames Cascajall NRWwho finished in 34.90 seconds. France’s Cédric Angot and Gandor du Fief secured third place with a superb clear round in 37.04 seconds.

A Race Against Time

The jump-off saw a series of heart-stopping moments, as riders pushed their horses to the limit in pursuit of victory. Maikel van der Vleuten and Jesther delivered a spectacular performance, stopping the clock in 38.00 seconds. Meanwhile, Sergio Alvarez Moya and Be Blue showcased their speed, but a costly rail left them frustratingly off the podium.

Michael Penderfresh from his LGCT Grand Prix runner-up finish in Cannes, looked determined aboard HHS Cyprus. However, the Barnes red oxer claimed another victim, ending his challenge with four faults in 44.69 seconds. Similarly, Denis Lynch faced an early setback, with a rail at the very first fence aboard Chicago putting him on the back foot.

The Victory Lap

Nallon’s victory was a testament to his skill and the incredible partnership he shares with Megalon K. ‘I’m super proud of our mare,’ Nallon exclaimed. ‘She tried her heart out, and with the whistles from hospitality, I knew I was in with a chance as I galloped to the last.’

Reflecting on his strategy, Nallon admitted that watching Eckermann’s round gave him the confidence to take the risks that ultimately secured his victory. ‘If I hadn’t been watching Katrin’s round, I don’t think I’d have taken the risk!’ he confessed.

With the sun setting over the Riviera, Nallon and Megalon K stood atop the podium, having delivered one of the most thrilling jump-offs of the season. Their victory was a reminder that at the highest level of the sport, success can hinge on the smallest of margins.

The excitement continued into the evening, as all eyes turned to the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Ramatuelle, St. Tropez. With championship points, prestige, and a place in LGCT history on the line, the world’s best riders were set to go head-to-head under the Riviera lights.