Eventing Stars, presented by Platinium Sellier, scheduled for the late afternoon of Saturday, 8 June, will be a wonderful reminder that the world of equestrian sports is one big family united by a shared passion for horses and sport. This new competition will bring together six top-tier riders who have been blitzing the arenas for the French national eventing team at star-studded international events for many years. These riders, who are used to tackling cross-country courses, will clash on a derby-style course. It will be “just like home”.
Riding for a cause
To mark this unprecedented event, Platinum Sellier is running a lottery open to all. Participants in this lottery will have the chance to win a fabulous My Sbox tack trunk. Over half of the funds raised from the lottery will be donated to the HOPE association, which supports women during and after cancer, particularly through equine therapy.
Thierry Touzaint (French eventing team chef d’équipe):
“A chance to highlight our discipline”
What are your thoughts on the opportunity to highlight eventing within the context of the Officiel de France?
As soon as I was presented with this proposal, I jumped at it. It’s a fantastic chance to highlight our discipline at such a prestigious event, especially with the Olympics just a month away. This gathering will also be a superb opportunity for riders to have a really fun time. The Derby de La Baule is legendary.
How were the riders selected?
The organisers aimed to bring together riders who have won medals and made their mark on the history of the French eventing team. When you follow in the footsteps of Éric Navet and all the legends from last year, you need to rise to the occasion! They were all fired up. That is a great sign for our sport.
Any predictions?
I don’t dabble in forecasts. May the best man win! My main thing is for both riders and spectators to have a blast. I’m really hoping to see some top-notch performances and to shine a light on the French team.
Eventing Stars
Jean-Lou Bigot
Jean-Lou Bigot stands as a titan in the annals of French eventing. In 1993, he became the first Frenchman to win the individual European championship astride Twist la Beige. He also claimed silver in the team event. He also won silver in the team event at the World Championships in both 1994 and 1998 and was part of the French Olympic squad in Sydney 2000.
Karim Laghouag
Karim Laghouag, 48, is a stalwart of the French team, boasting an Olympic gold medal in the team event in Rio 2016 on Entebbe de Hus and bronze in Tokyo 2020 astride Triton Fontaine. He also secured team bronze at the European Championships in 2013, 2015 and 2023.
Stéphane Landois
At just shy of 30 years old, Stéphane Landois emerged as a symbol of the sport’s new generation with a team bronze at the recent European Championships hosted at Haras du Pin, last summer, on Ride for Thaïs Chaman Dumonceau.
Maxime Livio
Maxime Livio, 36, currently the top-ranked French rider in the world eventing standings (thirteenth in the May ranking), was part of the team that clinched a bronze at the World Championships in 2018, held in Tryon, USA, riding Opium de Verrières.
Astier Nicolas
Astier Nicolas and Piaf de B’Neville led the charge as the opening combination for the French team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, propelling the Tricolores to team gold. Their exceptional performance was duly rewarded with an individual silver medal.
Nicolas Touzaint
Nicolas Touzaint, a pillar of the French team for over two decades, has had an illustrious career, including team Olympic gold in 2004 in Athens and dual individual European championships in 2003 and 2007 on Galan de Sauvagère. Touzaint continues to be a driving force for the French squad, with bronze in the team event at the last Olympic Games in Rio.
