From Dream to Reality – Anastasia Nielsen Makes Longines Global Champions Tour History in Rabat

Rabat, Morocco – For the youngest ever LGCT Grand Prix winner Anastasia Nielsen, victory in Rabat was more than a win — it is, in her own words, “a dream come true.”

Under the golden Moroccan sun, the Longines Global Champions Tour returned to Rabat’s magnificent Grand Theatre for the second year running – and it delivered an afternoon of show jumping brilliance that will live long in memory. With full grandstands and a crowd that radiated warmth and passion, the city where historical depth meets modernity once again became the heartbeat of world-class sport.

A Stage Set for History

Stage 15 of the 2025 season marked another milestone for the Kingdom of Morocco – an event that continues the legacy of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture, shining a light on the nation’s growing role on the international sporting stage.

With today’s class worth €634,000 in prize money and the LGCT Championship nearing its conclusion, pressure was palpable and excitement unrelenting.
When the dust settled beneath the Rabat sunshine, it was a young star who stood tallest.

A Record-Breaking Moment for Anastasia Nielsen

Monaco’s Anastasia Nielsen, at just 19 years of age, achieved what many dream of — capturing her first ever 5* 1.60m clear round and her first ever Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix victory aboard Action Man, becoming the youngest winner in LGCT history.

The victory was made even more special as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presented the trophy to the elated champion before a roaring crowd alongside HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Thamer Mohammed Al Thani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Morocco, and M. Lahrichi Mahmoud, representative from Longines Morocco.

“This Is What Dreams Are Made Of”

Overcome with emotion, a tearful Anastasia reflected:

“This is what dreams are made of. This was my first ever clear in a 5* 1.60m and first ever clear in a Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix. The field of riders in the jump-off were really strong names, so I had no expectations. Making history to be the youngest winner ever means so much. It is such an honour to achieve this at such a young age. The crowd here, the atmosphere, everything about this event is just incredible.”

Podium Power: Schou and Lynch Complete the Top Three

Joining Nielsen on the podium, Denmark’s Andreas Schou and Napoli vh Nederassenthof finished second after a bold and determined performance, just missing the double clear but enough to move him closer to the championship podium ahead of the Finals in Riyadh.

“I think I have said in many interviews this year that Napoli deserves a podium as he has been close so many times — and now today we deliver one!” smiled Schou. “My whole season has been built around the Longines Global Champions Tour, and to be back here in Rabat is great. I’ll go next to Riyadh for the Finals to chase the last points in the Championship — I’m aiming for another podium, and hopefully that golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Prague.”

Completing the top three, Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Cordial added another career podium to their impressive LGCT record, finishing third after a beautifully ridden round that saw just a single rail deny them victory.

“I’m absolutely delighted for her – she did what none of us could do, went in and rode a foot-perfect round,” said Lynch. “It’s really amazing here – such fantastic people and a supportive crowd. It really makes all the difference!”

Royal Presence and Global Partnerships

As the Moroccan flag waved proudly above the podium, Jan Tops, Founder and President of the Longines Global Champions Tour, paid tribute to a special occasion:

“To have the royal family here today at the event is a huge honour. It is an amazing place, and we are very appreciative of the relationships we have built. This event is possible thanks to our long-term title partner Longines, the Moroccan Federation, and the continuation of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture – my huge thanks go to everyone involved in another successful edition here in Rabat.”

Nielsen Earns Golden Ticket to GC Prague Playoffs

With this result, Anastasia Nielsen not only secures her place in the record books but also earns her Golden Ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs, becoming the youngest ever contender for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.

Championship Race Heats Up

Meanwhile, the championship standings remain electric behind the already crowned 2025 Champion Gilles Thomas, who sealed the title in Rome.

• 2nd – Harrie Smolders (214 points)
• 3rd – Christian Kukuk (208 points)
• 4th – Andreas Schou (207 points)

With one stage left, the battle for the season podium is wide open heading into the Riyadh Finals.

The €634,000 Grand Prix: Designed to Challenge

The course, designed by Uliano Vezzani, demanded respect from start to finish. Rails fell throughout the technical track, with Morocco’s own Ali Al Ahrach and Douglas Mall agonisingly denied a fairytale finish after a late miscommunication.

Two-time LGCT Grand Prix winner Scott Brash had to settle as the fastest on four faults with Chadora Lady, while other big names like Edwina Tops-Alexander, Christian Ahlmann, and Eduardo Alvarez Aznar narrowly missed the jump-off with a single rail.

The home crowd erupted for Vincent Zacharias Bourguignon and Qardentoo Castanoo, who delivered a foot-perfect round but picked up two time faults at the final fence.

The Jump-Off Drama

Seven riders returned for the jump-off, knowing that every stride could mean glory or heartbreak.

• Denis Lynch & Cordial – 46.51s, one rail at the penultimate oxer
• Anastasia Nielsen & Action Man – first double clear, 50.25s
• Andreas Schou & Napoli vh Nederassenthof – fast at 45.59s, one down
• Pieter Devos & Primo DV – one down, slower time
• Marcus Ehning & Flower Girl – late pole, fifth place
• Malin Baryard-Johnsson & H&M Indiana – fastest time, 12 faults
• Peder Fredricson & Alcapone des Carmille – one down, denying a fifth LGCT win

In the end, composure triumphed over speed as Anastasia Nielsen made history with a clear and calculated round.

A Celebration of Sport, Culture, and Connection

As the sun set over Rabat and the Moroccan flags fluttered across the stands, it was clear this was more than a competition – it was a celebration of sport, culture, and connection. From the legacy of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture to the energy of a sold-out crowd, the Longines Global Champions Tour of Rabat once again proved why it has become one of the most captivating stages of the season.

Next Stop: Riyadh Finals

Now, all eyes turn to Riyadh (30 October – 1 November), where the Championship Finals await. With Gilles Thomas already crowned, the race for the remaining podium places continues before the sport’s ultimate showdown at the GC Prague Playoffs

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