ABDESLAM BENNANI SMIRES BEAMS THROUGH & WINS IN TÉTOUAN - MOROCCO ROYAL TOUR 2025

The CSI4*-W Grand Prix (1.55m) at the Morocco Royal Tour's first stage in Tétouan was an unforgettable spectacle. Under a brilliant sun, in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Moroccan rider Abdeslam Bennani Smires clinched the most significant victory of his career. Riding Mister d’Eclipse, he triumphed just months after being crowned Moroccan Showjumping Champion, securing a symbolic and historic win at home in the city's most prestigious class.

The Emotion of a Historic Moment

For Bennani Smires, this first international win held special meaning. "It’s an incredible moment, an incredible year," he said. "Life gives and takes away, but it also gives back. I lost my father this year, which was very hard, but I had the chance to meet a horse like Mister d’Eclipse. I kept fighting, kept working, kept believing, and it paid off—first at the Moroccan Championship, and today here at the MRT. I am convinced he is watching from above and played a part in this. Winning here has a special flavour because it’s a competition we look forward to and prepare for every year. But we remain focused on the Nations Cup next week in Rabat."

Met just over two years ago, Mister d’Eclipse was not expected to return to top-level competition. "He had a serious injury, and some thought he would be retired. That makes this victory even more special, and it’s a true pride to see him in such form today," Bennani Smires explained. "We try to adapt to him as much as possible; he rarely jumps at home. I am lucky to have such a horse, and this way of working seems to suit him perfectly."

Behind the Moroccan champion, Saudi rider Abdulrahman Alrajhi continued his consistent form, earning a superb second place aboard Heartbeat W with a flawless double-clear round. The podium was completed by Ukraine’s Anastasia Bondarieva and her faithful partner, Calder, whose smooth and precise round reflected the diversity and quality of the competitors in Tétouan.

Course designer Cédric Longis praised Bennani Smires’ performance, stating, "His round was perfect. In the first round, he executed exactly what was required in terms of line, rhythm, and stride combinations. And in the jump-off, it was hard to imagine doing much better."

Young Talent Shines in CSI1* Grand Prix

The final class of the stage highlighted another young Moroccan talent. Isaïe Abittan, the reigning Moroccan Junior Champion, claimed victory with Girocco de Jarsay, confirming his rapid rise on the national and international scene.

"My feeling was excellent; my horse gave everything," Abittan shared after his first international win. "For the jump-off, he loves speed—I don’t even have to ask him. Winning here is very important: it’s always a pleasure to win at home, and it allows me to gain experience."

Argentinian rider Ezequiel Andres Ferro Menendez and Kylie took an impressive second place, while another Moroccan, Abdennour Dahbi Skali, riding Entar de La Vigne, completed the podium with a solid performance.

Another Win for Gaudiano in the CSI4*-W (1.45m)

Following his victory yesterday with Crack Balou, Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano continued his winning streak aboard Julius.D. Known for his speed, Gaudiano once again confirmed his presence at the top of the leaderboard.

"I’m very happy," he said. "Julius was fantastic and delivered a great competition here in Tétouan: second on Thursday, fastest time on Friday but with a small fault, and today he wins the ranking class decisively. I couldn’t have hoped for more!"

Young Dutch rider Finn Boerekamp took an excellent second place with Danny Boy 111 Z, while Nathalie Mach and Baccara de l’Aubepine rounded out the top three, maintaining their consistent top-level performance.

With an intense first stage in Tétouan complete, all eyes now turn to the next stop of the Morocco Royal Tour in Rabat, where the Nations Cup promises thrilling competition and another opportunity for riders to make their mark on this key event in the international show jumping calendar.

--ENDS--

Edited by HT

Photo by MRT/Morgan Froment

Read here to read HT's interview with Smires, conducted in July 2025.

RESULTS

CSI1* (1m25) - Prix Guergarat

1) Mohammed Nizar Souktani et Genesis Z

2) Ghali Bougja et Con Tenor

3) Finn Boerekamp et Non Fictie

CSI1* (1m35) - Prix Maroc Vert

1) Finn Boerekamp et So Guilty

2) Mans Thijssen et Nouveau Noir Evo

3) Thibaut Keller et Sunshine ‘H’

CSI4*-W (1m45) - Prix Tanger-Med

1) Joe Whitaker et Icaterina

2) Alix Ragot et Gold Sky de Pegase

3) Roberto Previtali et Corembar Blue Ps

CSI4*-W (1m50) - Prix de Dakhla

1) Emanuele Gaudiano et Crack Balou

2) Alix Ragot et Gueule d’Amours

3) Abdulrahman Alrajhi et Ventago