Matthew Sampson Charges to First in the Ville de St. Tropez Prize CSIO 5*

St. Tropez, France – September 18, 2026 – Matthew Sampson (GBR) and Un Secreto Z claimed victory in the €56,800 Ville de St. Tropez Prize CSIO 5* at the Jumping Gassin International, producing the fastest clear round at Haras de Gassin. The British rider stopped the clock in 61.44 seconds to take the prestigious class by a narrow margin. The competition formed part of the 2026 Gassin – St. Tropez CSIO 5* program.

Sampson partnered with Un Secreto Z, an 11-year-old chestnut Zangersheide stallion (Ultra Boy x Arko III). The combination delivered the only round needed to settle the top three on time, keeping all the rails up and crossing the finish line in 61.44 seconds. In a class where precision and speed were decisive, their efficient performance proved enough to secure the top step of the podium.

Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) came exceptionally close to taking the win aboard High Hopes du Fleuve. The Brazilian partnership also completed the course without penalties, stopping the clock at 61.66 seconds — just 0.22 seconds behind Sampson. The result gave Zanotelli second place in a tightly contested battle at the sharp end of the leaderboard.

Switzerland’s Barbara Schnieper (SUI) completed the podium with Toronto Raptor. Another faultless performance saw the pair finish in 62.13 seconds, placing them 0.47 seconds behind the winners. With the top three all finishing on zero faults, the €56,800 prize ultimately came down to fractions of a second, underlining the quality and competitiveness of the CSIO 5* field.

Final Results – €56,800 Ville de St. Tropez Prize CSIO 5*

1) Matthew Sampson (GBR) & Un Secreto Z – 0 – 61.44

2) Marlon Módolo Zanotelli (BRA) & High Hopes du Fleuve – 0 – 61.66

3) Barbara Schnieper (SUI) & Toronto Raptor – 0 – 62.13

Source: Polo Club St. Tropez

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.

Photos: © Agence Ecary

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