The International Jumping Riders Club since 1977 is the voice of the showjumping riders from around the world.
International Jumping Riders Club
ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: Simon Delestre
SIMON DELESTRE
21/06/1981
Simon has followed his father's footsteps in the best possible way and on the other hand his father Marcel, a professional horseman and popular trainer himself, could not have hoped for a more apt choice from his son.
'Ecurie Delestre', the family headquarters near Metz, housed a limited number of horses when Simon began his career and within ten years had become one of the most important centres in the French equestrian industry.
'Work hard' is the winning philosophy of this rider who for over ten years has been a stable presence in the top 30 of the world ranking (1st in 2016) and is a reliable reference for the French team.
He was bronze medallist in 2015 European Championships (Aachen) and vice-world team champion in 2014 World Championships (Caen). He participated in two editions of the Olympic Games and four editions of the Rolex IJRC Top 10. In the latter, he came close to victory twice.
Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final
2011: 8°
2015: 2°
2016: 10°
2022: 2°
Which horse are you going to enter in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 and why?
«In this year's Top 10 I will ride Dexter because he is really the fittest among my top horses at the moment. I will take my chance with him».
Who would you bet on for the 2023 Rolex IJRC Top 10 podium?
«My prediction for the podium is for Henrik, Julien or Kent».
What was your best moment in the 2023 season?
«I guess the highlight of my 2023 season was when, with Dexter, we rose to the top of the pairs ranking and became the number one in the world. ».
Paris is getting closer... You’re long-listed with three horses: Dexter Fontenis Z, Cayman Jolly Jumper and I Amelusina R51. What are your plans approaching the Olympics?
«The plan for Paris is to bring these three horses to the best of their condition and to build a customised programme for each of them. I will do my best to have the best chance of choosing in the end which one will be the fittest».