Grégory Cottard claims victory in the Mâcon Chaintré CSI4* Grand Prix
The French rider and Hold Up take the Ville de Mâcon Grand Prix ahead of John Whitaker and Charlotte Léoni
The 2026 edition of the Jumping International de Mâcon Chaintré – CSI4* concluded in spectacular fashion with the Ville de Mâcon Grand Prix, a thrilling 1.55m class that delivered excitement until the very final round. In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, fifty horse-and-rider combinations entered the arena at the foot of the Château de Chaintré for one of the highlight classes of the week.
Victory ultimately went to French rider Grégory Cottard, who produced a brilliant jump-off performance aboard Hold Up, finishing almost four seconds ahead of British legend John Whitaker. France also celebrated a podium finish for Charlotte Léoni, who secured third place and finished as the leading female rider.
Designed by course builder Cédric Longis, the Grand Prix track proved both selective and fair, challenging riders throughout the opening round while still allowing nine combinations to qualify for the decisive jump-off.
In the final phase of the competition, Grégory Cottard delivered the fastest and most fluid performance of the day. Riding with confidence and precision, the Frenchman made full use of Hold Up’s scope and speed to secure a memorable home victory.
The win carried special meaning for Cottard, who bred the horse himself. Speaking after the class, the French rider explained: “I am truly happy because Hold Up is a horse that I bred myself. It is incredibly emotional for me to see him win at this level today.”
Cottard also reflected on the rest of his week in Mâcon: “This week I had a little bit of bad luck, so this Grand Prix feels like a bit of revenge. I found the first round delicate and very well built. The course was interesting and respectful of the horses.”
The French rider praised both the organisation and the work of the course designer: “The course builder did a very good job and having nine riders in the jump-off was fantastic. I really enjoy coming here to Mâcon. The atmosphere is very family-oriented and every year the venue continues to improve. The horses are welcomed here in outstanding conditions.”
Second place went to one of the sport’s most iconic figures, John Whitaker, who once again demonstrated his remarkable consistency at the highest level of international competition.
Reflecting on his result, the British rider said: “I am happy with this second place. Of course, I would have preferred to win, but my horse jumped extremely well. In the jump-off I wasn’t able to do exactly what I had planned, but that’s the nature of the sport.”
Whitaker also praised the event itself: “The course was perfect and the whole weekend was excellent. I truly hope to come back again next year.”
Third place was claimed by French rider Charlotte Léoni aboard Cyclone, marking the pair’s second consecutive clear Grand Prix performance at the venue.
Léoni commented after the class: “This third place makes me really happy. It is our second consecutive faultless Grand Prix here. I put a little pressure on myself today because I was not satisfied with my round on the opening day.”
Discussing her horse, she added: “Cyclone is not naturally a very fast horse. We will eventually improve in speed, but for now I prefer to focus on producing clear rounds, and today that makes me fully satisfied.”
Like many riders throughout the week, Léoni also praised the facilities at Mâcon Chaintré: “I know this show very well. The facilities deserve 20 out of 20. The stables are cool, the arena is excellent, and everything is organised to allow riders to compete under the best possible conditions.”
Course designer Cédric Longis also expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the class and the overall quality of the event: “We experienced an incredible week here in Mâcon. This show has become a benchmark in terms of facilities. For us course designers, it is a fantastic playground.”
Longis then explained the philosophy behind his Grand Prix track: “We finished with a beautiful Grand Prix. Nine clears and many four-fault rounds – that was exactly my plan. I always try to create small mistakes spread throughout the course without ever putting the horses under excessive pressure.”
Finally, Isabelle Breul, President of Mâcon Chaintré Événements, celebrated both the sporting success of the competition and the atmosphere created throughout the week: “I am very happy with Grégory Cottard’s victory because he is a rider we know well and always enjoy welcoming to the Jumping International de Mâcon Chaintré.”
She also thanked all the teams, partners, exhibitors and organisers involved in delivering another successful edition of the event, with special recognition given to sporting director Sébastien Dauvergne for his work behind the scenes.
Photo credits: © Agence Bouillot
Source: Jumping International de Mâcon Chaintré press release
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