Mytilineou Makes History in Madrid: A Greek Triumph at LGCT Madrid

Talk about a breakthrough moment! Greece's Ioli Mytilineou delivered what can only be described as the "performance of a lifetime" aboard L'Artiste de Toxandra to claim her maiden 5* LGCT Grand Prix victory in Madrid this past Sunday.

The prestigious Club de Campo Villa de Madrid hosted the fourth stage of the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour, with Santiago Varela Ullastres designing a track that proved absolutely brutal. Only seven combinations from the entire field managed to navigate the first round clear—and who doesn't love a tough course that separates the best from the rest?

In the jump-off, newly crowned World Number One Kent Farrington (USA) and Greya went first and set a blistering pace, but two rails down left the door wide open. Germany's Hans-Dieter Dreher delivered the first clear with Elysium in 36.12 seconds, while Ireland's Cian O'Connor had a single rail with Bentley de Sury.

Then came Mytilineou. Holy smokes! She "blazed through the course," making those tight rollback turns look effortless, and crossed the finish line in a stunning 34.00 seconds. The crowd erupted, and rightfully so—this was special.

The drama only intensified when defending champion Christian Kukuk of Germany suffered a heartbreaking elimination at the infamous "Madrid oxer," coming off Cepano Baloubet and ending his title defense hopes. Germany's Marco Kutscher had the final chance to beat Mytilineou's time, and while his round with Aventador S was clean, his 35.98 seconds wasn't enough to catch the Greek leader.

Visibly elated after her win, Mytilineou didn't hold back: "I really just did all I could... my horse jumped unbelievably today. The crowd here is unbelievable and it just makes it even better!"

LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid Results - Top 3:

1. Ioli Mytilineou (GRE) & L'Artiste de Toxandra: 0 faults, 34.00 seconds

2. Marco Kutscher (GER) & Aventador S: 0 faults, 35.98 seconds

3. Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) & Elysium: 0 faults, 36.12 seconds

The results also shook up the LGCT Championship standings once again, with Belgium's Gilles Thomas ascending to the overall lead with 87 points, followed by Australia's Edwina Tops-Alexander (75 points) and Ireland's Denis Lynch (67.2 points).

Valkenswaard United Claims Thrilling GCL Madrid Victory, Shanghai Swans Extend Overall Lead

Madrid, Spain – Valkenswaard United delivered a masterful performance to clinch their first GCL win of the 2025 season in a gripping showdown at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. This victory also marked a remarkable back-to-back win for the team in the Spanish capital. The squad, featuring the strategic brilliance of Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) with Elysium, the rising talent of Gilles Thomas (BEL) aboard Ermitage Kalone, and a crucial first-round clear from the legendary Marcus Ehning (GER) with Coolio 42, finished on a team total of just 4 faults with a fast combined time of 149.55 seconds over the two demanding rounds.

The competition was fierce, with current championship leaders, Shanghai Swans, securing a hard-fought second place. Christian Ahlmann and Katharina Rhomberg finished on 4 faults but in a slightly slower time of 150.81 seconds. Ahlmann had a rail in the second round, but Rhomberg produced a vital clear under pressure to maintain their podium position and crucial championship points.

Rounding out the podium was St Tropez Pirates, who celebrated their first top-three finish of the year. The team, which included a notable debut for young rider Tom Wachman and a decisive second-round clear from Spaniard Mariano Martinez Bastida, completed the two rounds with a total of 8 faults in 149.95 seconds.

The GCL of Madrid, the fourth stage of the 2025 season, saw intense competition and some dramatic moments, including an unfortunate elimination for the Doha Falcons.

Updated GCL Overall Rankings (After Leg 4 - Madrid):

Despite Valkenswaard United's win, the Shanghai Swans managed to extend their lead in the overall 2025 GCL Championship. The standings for the top teams are:

1. Shanghai Swans - 96 points

2. Valkenswaard United - 83 points (tied)

3. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames - 83 points (tied)

4. Monaco Comets powered by Iron Dames - 63 points

5. Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team - 61 points

Wathelet's Windsor Wizardry: Six Hundredths of a Second Make the Difference

What a thriller at Windsor! Belgium's Gregory Wathelet and Bond Jamesbond de Hay captured the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix at the Royal Windsor Horse Show by the slimmest of margins—just 0.06 seconds!

The historic setting within the private grounds of Windsor Castle, complete with royal attendance from His Majesty The King and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, provided a stunning backdrop for what turned out to be an absolute nail-biter of a Grand Prix.

Portuguese course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral set a challenging 1.60m track that yielded 10 clear rounds from the 32 elite starters. Among those caught out were Sweden's Peder Fredricson, last year's winner Martin Fuchs, and British legend John Whitaker.

In the jump-off, Kim Emmen (NED) set the early pace with 4 faults in 40.05 seconds, followed by Eve Jobs (USA) with the first clear in a conservative 43.02. The pace then significantly quickened as Ireland's Billy Twomey stopped the clock at 40.16 seconds, only to be bested by Britain's Harry Charles with Sherlock in 37.70.

The Netherlands' Harrie Smolders and Monaco then took the lead with an impressive 37.24 seconds. Great Britain's Robert Whitaker and Vermento came close with 37.86 seconds, while a dramatic moment unfolded when Ben Maher and Point Break suffered a fall at the final Rolex oxer (thankfully both walked away unharmed).

Finally, Wathelet, who had previously won this Grand Prix in 2022 and finished second in 2024, set off "meaning business." He guided Bond Jamesbond de Hay through the "tightest of turns" and an "impressive gallop" to the final Rolex-oxer, stopping the clock at 37.18 seconds—just six hundredths faster than Smolders!

"I saw everyone get faster and faster, but I knew my horse and his speed, I knew he likes going fast, so I took some risks, but you have to on a day like today," said Wathelet afterward. And take risks he did—just enough to claim the win and the €125,000 first prize.

Rolex Grand Prix of Windsor Results - Top 3:

1. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) & Bond Jamesbond de Hay: 0 faults, 37.18 seconds

2. Harrie Smolders (NED) & Monaco: 0 faults, 37.24 seconds

3. Harry Charles (GBR) & Sherlock: 0 faults, 37.70 seconds

Quick Hits

McLain Ward's Big Week at Old Salem Farm 

McLain Ward dominated at Old Salem, winning both the $75,000 Welcome Stake with 9-year-old Snapchat Van De Broekkant Z (32.62 seconds) and then defending his title in the $225,000 Empire State Grand Prix aboard his veteran mare Callas (32.57 seconds). Smart horse management from Ward—using the young horse for the smaller class and saving his experienced partner for the biggest test. I mean, what can we say... the man knows what he's doing.

Empire State Grand Prix (CSI4) - Top 3:*

1. McLain Ward (USA) & Callas: 0 faults, 32.57 seconds

2. Philip McGuane (IRL) & Orphea HQ: 0 faults, 32.95 seconds

3. Jordan Coyle (IRL) & Jorisca: 0 faults, 33.18 seconds

Driscoll's Quick Partnership Pays Off

How about Cathleen Driscoll (USA) winning the $35,000 Bluegrass Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Classic with Jecibelle, a mare she'd only been riding for one week! Talk about quick chemistry. Her double clear in 40.335 seconds was just a tenth faster than Erynn Ballard (CAN) with Gakhir.

Bluegrass Grand Prix (Kentucky) - Top 3:

1. Cathleen Driscoll (USA) & Jecibelle: 0 faults, 40.335 seconds

2. Erynn Ballard (CAN) & Gakhir: 0 faults, 40.411 seconds

3. Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) & Georgina de Carles: 0 faults, 42.429 seconds

Bucci Claims Home Victory

Italy's Piergiorgio Bucci gave the home crowd something to cheer about, winning the CSI4* Grand Prix in Gorla Minore with Emerald's Dream in 37.54 seconds. Olympic medalist Steve Guerdat made his return to international competition following back surgery, finishing fifth with Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte.

Gorla Minore Grand Prix (CSI4) - Top 3:*

1. Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA) & Emerald's Dream: 0/0, 37.54 seconds

2. Torben Köhlbrandt (GER) & Mastermind RL: 0/0, 37.76 seconds

3. Gerfried Puck (AUT) & Idiaal Special H.J.: 0/0, 38.01 seconds

French Domination in Mâcon Chaintré

The French absolutely owned the podium at the CSI4* Grand Prix in Mâcon Chaintré, with Marc Dilasser, Arthur Le Vot, and Cédric Hurel taking the top three spots. Hometown advantage at its finest!

Mâcon Chaintré Grand Prix (CSI4) - Top 3:*

1. Marc Dilasser (FRA) & Make My Day Z du Gevres: 0 faults, 43.71 seconds

2. Arthur Le Vot (FRA) & Djinn Cece: 0 faults, 44.42 seconds

3. Cédric Hurel (FRA) & Fantasio Floreval Z: 4 faults, 41.76 seconds

Mallevaey Masters Kessel

France's Nina Mallevaey and My Clementine topped the CSI3* 1.55m Stal Hendrix Grand Prix at JPM International in Kessel, Netherlands. Their double clear performance in 35.99 seconds edged out the Netherlands' Niels Kersten with Secret Treasure.

Kessel Grand Prix (CSI3) - Top 3:*

1. Nina Mallevaey (FRA) & My Clementine: 0/0, 35.99 seconds

2. Niels Kersten (NED) & Secret Treasure: 0/0, 36.56 seconds

3. Luke Dee (NZL) & Gangster WW: 0/0, 36.89 seconds

Industry News

New EEF President Elected

Quentin Simonet of France has been elected the new president of the European Equestrian Federation, securing 28 votes against George Dimaras's 10. He'll serve a 16-month term and has emphasized a vision centered on unity, service, and development. With 17 years of experience with the French National Federation, he's well-equipped for the job.

Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot Retires

A touching moment at LGCT Madrid as Spanish rider Eduardo Álvarez Aznar's legendary partner Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot took his final lap of honor during a special retirement ceremony. There's nothing like seeing a great horse retire on home soil—these partnerships are what make our sport special.

lgctmadrid

4,854 followers

View more on Instagram

Horse Sales and Transfers

Belgian showjumper Wilm Vermeir announced the sale of his 9-year-old Zangersheide mare Belle Amie vd Dassenheide Z to new owners in the United States. Vermeir paid tribute to the mare, saying, "You have the heart of a lion and you knew the game so well!" Another talented European horse making its way to the American circuit.

FEI Rules Update

The FEI continues to refine its regulations, with recent discussions including reduced penalties for minor instances of blood on a horse's flanks, stricter enforcement of mandatory rest hours, and potential elimination of rarely used competition formats like relay and knock-out classes. Updates to Veterinary Regulations have also been implemented, covering vaccination protocols, protection of sensory hairs, and tack guidelines.

Looking Ahead

The show jumping world doesn't slow down! Next week features the historic CSIO5* Rome - Piazza di Siena (May 21-25), with its €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix and €220,000 Nations Cup. With a setting like Villa Borghese, this is always one of the most visually stunning events of the year.

Other top events include:

• CSI4* Hohenkirchen (Germany, May 20-25): €105,500 Grand Prix on Sunday

• CSI4* Vancouver at Thunderbird Show Park (Canada, May 21-25): $116,000 Grand Prix on Sunday

• CSI4* Canteleu (France, May 21-25): €105,500 Grand Prix Région Normandie on Sunday

• CSIO3* EEF Series events in Martofte (Denmark) and Peelbergen (Netherlands)

• CSI3* St Tropez - Gassin (France, May 21-25): €56,800 Grand Prix on Saturday

• CSI3* Temecula (USA, May 20-24): $117,000 Grand Prix on Saturday

Rating: 8.7/10

I'd give this week's action a solid 8.7 out of 10! Two thrilling 5* Grand Prix events, a breakthrough first win for Mytilineou, and Wathelet winning by just six hundredths of a second—you simply can't script drama like that. Plus, seeing a legend like Rokfeller de Pleville retire with the honor he deserves was a beautiful moment for the sport.

Know a showjumping fan who's always rushing to catch up on the sport's biggest moments? Share this newsletter with them! Every week, JumpOff.news delivers the most important elite showjumping news in a concise, easy-to-digest format—so they'll never miss another historic hat-trick or breakthrough performance.

Stay tuned to JumpOff.news for all the latest coverage... make sure to subscribe, share with fellow equestrians, and follow all the action as it unfolds, here at JumpOff.news, elite showjumping news, jump-off speed!