Larocca Delivers a Second Statement Win at the Andalucía Sunshine Tour

Vejer, February 15, 2026.

José María (Jr) Larocca has begun the 2026 season in emphatic fashion. The Argentine rider once again imposed his authority at the XXXII Andalucía Sunshine Tour by claiming victory in the Range Rover C. de Salamanca Grand Prix during the circuit’s second week, repeating the triumph he had already secured in the opening week.

The second week of the Sunshine Tour drew to a close with an intense final day featuring four Grand Prix classes, on a Sunday marked by emotion, technical demands, and decisive jump-offs. The main arena at Dehesa Montenmedio also hosted a particularly moving moment with a tribute to Antonio Blázquez, to whom riders, owners, and venue staff paid a respectful minute of silence.

In the Range Rover C. de Salamanca Grand Prix, Larocca showcased the full potential of Chris, an 11-year-old mare by Contendro I out of an Argentinus mare. Of the nearly 50 riders who contested the class, only eight advanced to the jump-off, and just four managed to repeat a clear round. Among them, the Argentine rider and his mare set the fastest time, sealing a victory of unquestionable authority.

The most recent precedent of a double win in the first two weeks of the circuit had been achieved in 2024 by Gerrit Nieberg and Ping Pong van de Lentamel. One year later, Larocca and Chris now join that same line of excellence, establishing themselves as one of the combinations to watch closely this season.

Behind the Argentine, France’s Mathieu Billot finished second with Heartlove de Pleaville, while Roger Yves Bost took third place with Giorgio de la Batia, in a jump-off that fully lived up to expectations.

On the final day, the list of Big Tour winners was completed by Belgium’s Dries Dekkers with Agnes in the 1.45m class, and Britt van Erp with Vosje, who claimed victory in the 1.40m class.

Spain Shines in the Medium Tour

The day also brought significant success for the Spanish delegation. One of the highlights was Álvaro González de Zárate’s victory in the Medium Tour Grand Prix. The Basque rider, enjoying an excellent start to the season, won with Casa Diva PS, the same mare with whom he claimed gold at the 2025 Spanish Senior Championships at this very venue.

It was no easy task in a highly demanding jump-off against top-level rivals such as Kendra Claricia Brinkop, Gilles Thomas, Kevin Jochems, Billy Twomey, and Steve Guerdat. However, his strong partnership with the Casallco daughter proved decisive in securing a prestigious win.

Another Spanish victory on the day came from Javier González Fraga with CDE Obolesnsky JGF in the 1.30m Medium Tour class. The remaining Medium Tour wins went to Andres Bereecke with Ona van de Begijnakker in the 1.40m class, and Morocco’s Mohammed Al Ahrach with Havane Danfer in the 1.35m.

The Small Tour Grand Prix – Chacco Marketing Trophy, sponsored by the circuit’s communications agency, went to Britain’s Georgina Tame with Hello Vittoria, a daughter of Kannan, after prevailing in a jump-off reached by eight of the 80 competing combinations. In addition to prize money, the trophy included special vouchers redeemable for Chacco Marketing services, as well as a dinner for two at the Las Delicias de Vejer restaurant.

The remaining Small Tour classes were won by Nuno Tiago Gomes with Harmonie des Douces (1.40m), Albert Pisarik with Chapo 2 (1.35m), and Teresa Stokar with Isalottie (1.30m).

The CSI1* Grand Prix was claimed by Priscila Pasquel with Fein Lotta DK, an 11-year-old mare by Be Cera d’Ick out of a Diamant de Semilly mare. The Mexican rider is beginning her partnership with this mare, who competed until the end of last season under France’s Nicolas Delmotte. The 1.15m class was won by Faycal Bicha with D’Angel la Tuilere. The Moroccan rider and the Old Cham Tame daughter secured their first win on the sixth attempt, having previously finished among the top five on five occasions.

The day’s program was rounded out with the Regional classes, whose winners on this occasion were Ireland’s Anna Moore with Nero van de Bucxtale in the 1.20m, Ireland’s Erin Appleby with Quest du Buhot in the 1.00m, and France’s Marion Meric with Khaleesi l’Rio in the 0.90m.

The Andalucía Sunshine Tour will return to the Dehesa Montenmedio arenas next Tuesday with the start of its third week, which will also mark the beginning of the young horse finals. The circuit, the longest-running in Spain, enjoys institutional support from the Government of Andalusia—through the Ministry of Tourism and Andalusia Abroad—and from the Provincial Council of Cádiz, a key backing that strengthens its sporting, economic, and tourism projection.