Interview with Simon Delestre

Your Rolex Grand Prix victory at The Dutch Masters in 2025 was a standout moment – what are your strongest memories of that win, and what made it particularly meaningful for you?
SD: The Dutch Masters has always been a competition that I’ve loved throughout my career. I’ve competed at the show many times, and before last year’s win, I’ve been very close to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix a couple of times. I remember two years ago with Cayman [Cayman Jolly Jumper] I had the last fence down in the jump-off, but with the fastest time, so that was very disappointing. Winning the Rolex Grand Prix in 2025 was something very special, and it was even more memorable, as I became the first French rider in history to win a Rolex Grand Slam Major. For me, the Rolex Grand Slam is something I always prepare myself and my horses for.

How would you describe your 2026 season so far, and what key objectives have you set for the remainder of the year?
SD: 2026 is going to be a long and important season for me and my team because we have the [FEI] World Championships in Aachen in August. I’ve had a good start to the year and in January I competed in two 5* Grands Prix with two different horses, who are only 10 years old. Gatsby [Gatsby Du Tillard] was second in Leipzig and Golden [Golden Boy DK] was also second in Hong Kong, so we have a lot of hope for these two young horses – I believe they are going to be very special.

I am currently focusing on Cayman returning to The Dutch Masters in March, but I’m not sure how I’m going to plan the rest of the season for him. For sure, I am aiming for the CHIO Aachen in May, but with which horses I am not sure yet. I would probably say Golden will be my first choice for the World Championships, and if he carries on like he is I will try to jump him in the Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen. The CHI Geneva is always my aim; however, we’re not sure about the [CSIO] Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, as it’s very soon after the World Championships, and you need a very special horse to travel there. I have a very consistent group of horses, which includes Amelusina [I Amelusina R 51] being ready to jump again, so overall I have a good plan and I’m very excited for this year.

Cayman Jolly Jumper, Golden Boy, and Gatsby have all played important roles in your success – can you tell us a bit about each of them, and how their characters and strengths differ in competition?
SD: They are all very different, but they share certain qualities – this is often the case with truly special top horses. All three have a lot of courage and energy, and they are all very careful.

Away from the sport, however, their personalities are very distinct. Cayman, for example, doesn’t like people going into his stable. He is naturally suspicious and cautious – he prefers to observe you from a distance. But he loves going to shows, enjoys being looked after, and is absolutely on fire when he enters the ring. He is unlike any horse I’ve ever ridden, and it’s this combination of qualities that makes him so special.

Golden and Gatsby are much more open and trusting. They enjoy people and contact, and they are generally very happy characters. But when you ride any of these three horses, they are true fighters in the ring.

From a rider’s perspective, what makes the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping such a unique and demanding challenge?
SD: The Rolex Grand Slam Majors are among the very best shows in the world. I love competing at them – their atmospheres are always exceptional, the facilities are first class, and every detail is delivered to the highest standard. The level of jumping is outstanding.

The course designers consistently create a true championship test, so you know you’re about to jump a very special Grand Prix. At these shows, you must arrive ready and perform at the very top of your ability.

You often speak about developing relationships, building trust, and being patient with your horses – why are these elements so fundamental to success at the highest level?
SD: In my opinion, it’s essential to be completely at one with your horse, and that always takes time. You must know each other inside out. I like to understand every detail about my horses – what they enjoy, what they dislike, the kind of distances they prefer, and how they think and react.

For me, discovering and truly developing a new horse takes at least a year before you can be confident that you’re both ready to compete at the top level.

You regularly highlight the importance of your team – what role do they play in helping you perform at your best on the biggest stages?
SD: I’m fortunate to have a very strong team and system in place, which has delivered fantastic results over the past few years. When I trust the people around me and believe in the system we’ve built, I don’t see any reason to change it.

My groom, Margaux, is incredibly focused and has built a special bond with all my horses. While I spend most of my time strengthening my relationships with them in the saddle, she is constantly developing that connection at home and at shows. The horses adore her, and having someone like Margot as part of my team is invaluable.

Throughout your career, which riders have you looked up to or drawn inspiration from, and why?
SD: I’ve always taken more inspiration from partnerships than from individuals – for example, from Marcus Ehning and Sandro Boy. I’m constantly observing combinations at shows, analysing how they develop and trying to understand why they are improving and progressing in the right direction.

I’m fortunate to be competing at the highest level almost every weekend, and I truly believe that the more you ride against the best, the better you become – both as an individual rider and as a partnership.

Photo: TDM/Sharon Vandeput