MANILA, Philippines - Tony Leviste competed alongside the world’s top riders and jumped two clear rounds in the Invitational classes of the Gucci Paris Masters at the Parc de Expositions in Villepinto Paris Nord in Paris recently.
Back on the saddle with her mount Century Magic after winning two silver medals in last year’s SEA Games, Leviste was the only Filipino and one of only two Asians invited to the prestigious event.
The technical course was designed by Olympic gold medalist Conrad Homefeld of the US with riders from over 20 countries participating.
The competition, dubbed as “the most glamorous jumping show in the world,” was graced by Princess Caroline of Monaco, whose daughter Charlotte, also an equestrienne, who also competed in the Gucci Paris event, French actress and Oscar winner, Marion Cotillard, whose husband, renowned French director, Guillaume Canet, is an avid showjumper as well, along with other well-known riders Jessica Springsteen, daughter of Bruce Springsteen, and Athina Onasis de Miranda, granddaughter of the late Aristotle Onasis.
“It was an incredible experience to have had the chance to ride amongst the best riders in one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” said Leviste. “Any time I have the opportunity to carry the Philippine flag on the world stage, I consider it an honor and a privilege; I am proud to be Pinoy,” she said.
Similar to the Grand Slam in tennis, the Paris Masters is one of three jumping competitions in a series of indoor jumping competitions comprising of the Hong Kong Masters in March and the New York Masters in October, each attracting the very best riders worldwide, witnessed by 50,000 spectators each day, competing for $1,000,000 in prize money.