Blazing to Glory: Vale and Carissimo 25 Capture Their First Five-Star Grand Prix Win
They were the last to go and they saved the best for last. Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25 didn’t just win in Dinard, they lit the place up.
The Breakthrough in Dinard
Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25 clinched their first CSI5* Grand Prix victory together last weekend, delivering a storming jump-off performance to top the Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard. It was a win that had it all: electric atmosphere, fierce competition, and a fearless final round that stopped the clock in 38.77 seconds, almost two full seconds ahead of the rest.
This moment marked their fourth international victory as a pair and their first at five-star 1.60m level. It came in their 33rd round together at this height, a stat that makes the win feel even more deserved and hard-earned.
A Power Pair in Red, White, and Blue
This win is just the latest chapter in a growing legacy. Vale and Carissimo have worn the Team USA jacket in five-star Nations Cup competitions nine times to date, playing a pivotal role in two team victories: the Longines League of Nations in Ocala earlier this year and the Aga Khan Nations Cup in Dublin last year.
Their next stop? Back to Dublin, where they’ll aim to defend that Nations Cup title. It’s a venue they know well. Alongside last year’s team win, the pair also stood on the podium in the Rolex Grand Prix of Dublin. With recent form peaking and that success still fresh in their minds, they look poised to make another deep run.
Could They Do the Double in Dublin?
Momentum is everything in this sport and Vale and Carissimo are riding high. If their Dinard performance is any indication, they could be in serious contention for another Nations Cup win and possibly more in Dublin.
