NEW: Now Available on Spotify! 

Can't find time to read the newsletter? Perfect timing for our brand new podcast version! Get your elite showjumping news at jump-off speed while you're cleaning stalls, driving to the barn, or out for a hack. Imagine being the most informed person around the barn, dropping insider insights about Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen or the GCT in Monaco!

Have the perfect conversation starter at your next show about which combinations are really on fire this season.

CHIO Aachen: Where Dreams Come True and Legends Are Made

The €1.5 Million Rolex Grand Prix: Fuchs's Decade of Frustration Finally Ends

There are some victories that transcend prize money and ranking points—moments where years of heartbreak crystallize into pure, emotional release. That's exactly what happened when Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei crossed the finish line in 50.29 seconds to claim the €1.5 million Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen.

For a decade, this prize had tormented the Swiss master. He'd come close so many times, watched other riders celebrate on the top step, made costly mistakes when it mattered most.

Fuchs admitted, the weight of those near-misses evident in his voice.

The Course That Caught Everyone

Frank Rothenberger's 1.60m masterpiece was classic Aachen—technically demanding but fair to those with the skill to handle it. The track featured the signature Rolex triple combination at fence four, the infamous double of liverpools by the lake, and a challenging open water approached on a difficult angle. What shocked even Rothenberger was the result: 14 clear rounds in the first round, leading to an epic 11-horse jump-off.

"The horses jumped fantastically!" the German course designer exclaimed, clearly surprised by the volume of clears. But that high number just meant the real battle would be against the clock.

The jump-off course was where Rothenberger showed his genius. The long gallop to the penultimate "golden double" and final vertical created a scenario where raw power and stride length became decisive advantages. As Steve Guerdat later noted,

The Jump-Off Masterclass

Going seventh in the 11-horse jump-off, Fuchs knew a safe clear wouldn't be enough. His preparation was meticulous: "I spent most of the evening watching videos of all the Rolex Grand Prix I have ridden here with Leone Jei to see what I could do better!" The plan he devised was audacious—leave out a stride to the treacherous golden double, a move only possible with Leone Jei's massive stride.

The execution was flawless. Taking a flyer to the combination and galloping relentlessly to the final vertical, they stopped the clock at 50.29 seconds. It was a time that would prove unbeatable, even with Laura Kraut and Baloutinue still to come.

Kraut, going last, delivered a masterful clear but chose the safer route to the golden double. "I didn't know if I was up on Martin or not, but instead of risking all I opted to take the safe route at the golden double. The speed Martin went at to the last fence? No way!" she said, her 52.41 seconds earning a well-deserved second place.

The drama wasn't over. France's Nina Mallevaey, making her Aachen debut, posted the fastest time of the day at 50.01 seconds—but a heartbreaking rail at the golden double relegated her to fifth. Similarly, the home crowd's hopes were dashed when Richard Vogel and United Touch S took down two rails at the same obstacle.

chio_aachen

316K followers

View more on Instagram

Final Rolex Grand Prix Podium:

1. Martin Fuchs (SUI) - Leone Jei - 0/0 50.29s - €330,000

2. Laura Kraut (USA) - Baloutinue - 0/0 52.41s - €200,000

3. Steve Guerdat (SUI) - Dynamix de Belheme - 0/0 52.59s - €150,000

The victory made Fuchs only the fourth Swiss rider in Aachen history to claim the Grand Prix, following his uncle Markus Fuchs (2004) and his godfather Willi Melliger (1983). "It's a very special day for the whole family and the whole team," an emotional Fuchs said, finally holding the trophy that had eluded him for so long.

More importantly, this win makes Fuchs the new "Live Contender" for the Rolex Grand Slam—and he's heading to Spruce Meadows where he's the two-time defending champion. The pressure just shifted to an entirely different level.

Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup: American Domination Under the Lights

chio_aachen

316K followers

View more on Instagram

Thursday night's €1,000,000 Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup was pure theater under the floodlights, with Team USA delivering a masterclass in pressure riding to claim their first Aachen Nations Cup since 2008.

The format was brutal—two rounds over Frank Rothenberger's demanding track, with the three best scores from each team counting. After the first round, USA, Germany, and Belgium were tied on just four faults, setting up a nail-biting finale.

The American Heroes

The U.S. team was a perfect blend of youth and experience:

Lillie Keenan was the undisputed "heroine of the evening," delivering one of only five double-clear performances in the entire competition aboard Argan de Beliard. "He is incredibly reliable, and he knows exactly what his job is, so he makes my job really easy," she said of her trusted partner.

Kent Farrington guided his 10-year-old mare Toulayna through her first five-star Nations Cup at Aachen with a clear first round and just one unlucky rail in the second. "She really showed her heart in the intense atmosphere," the world #1 noted.

Laura Kraut bounced back from four faults in the first round to deliver a clutch clear when it mattered most. Ever the professional, she took full responsibility: "I was so happy with my horse, she should have been double clear. I messed up in the first round."

McLain Ward faced the ultimate pressure as anchor rider, needing a clear to secure victory and avoid a jump-off with Belgium. The veteran delivered exactly when his team needed him most, posting a flawless second round with Imperial HBF.

Chef d'Équipe Robert Ridland's post-victory comments revealed the systematic approach behind this success:

Nations Cup Final Results:

1. USA - 4 faults - Keenan, Farrington, Kraut, Ward

2. Belgium - 8 faults - Verlooy, Conter, Said, Wathelet

3. Great Britain - 11 faults - Tame, Maher, Whitaker, Brash

Belgium's Gregory Wathelet and Bond Jamesbond de Hay also jumped double-clear, while Great Britain featured a brilliant debut from Georgia Tame and another stellar performance from Ben Maher.

LGCT Monaco: Where Legends Are Born Under the Riviera Lights

The €1.5 Million Grand Prix: Delestre and the "Legend" Destroy the Field

simondelestre

View more on Instagram

Against the glittering backdrop of Port Hercule, where Formula 1 history meets equestrian excellence, Simon Delestre and Cayman Jolly Jumper delivered a performance that will be talked about for years. Their blistering 32.06-second jump-off round was nearly two full seconds faster than their nearest rival—an eternity at this level.

an emotional Delestre stated, the magnitude of achieving a cherished goal evident in every word. His admiration for his partner was the centerpiece of his reaction, repeatedly calling Cayman Jolly Jumper "amazing" and a "legend."

Uliano Vezzani's Monaco Masterpiece

The Italian "Maestro" crafted a 1.60m track that was both clever and unforgiving, producing exactly what you want: 12 clears from 40 starters (30% clear rate). The course exploited Monaco's unique challenges—tight turns, crowd proximity, and the imposing harbor backdrop—to create specific pressure points that became the evening's main plot devices.

The "tricky double" combination emerged as the course's primary villain, claiming victims in both rounds. It caught out Henrik von Eckermann in the first round, then reappeared in the jump-off to dash the hopes of both Maikel van der Vleuten and Andreas Schou.

Jump-Off Drama: A Masterclass vs. the Clock

Going third in the 12-horse jump-off, Delestre had seen enough to know what was required. Aboard the ever-eager Cayman Jolly Jumper, he executed what can only be described as calculated perfection—slicing every corner, galloping with relentless momentum, and "riding flat-out to the final fence with clinical precision."

His 32.06 seconds set a standard that looked unbeatable from the moment he crossed the finish line. Several riders chased the time:

Harry Charles faced the ultimate pressure as the last to go, needing to beat Delestre's time. The young Olympic champion delivered a masterful round with Sherlock, stopping the clock at 33.90 seconds for a brilliant second place. His ride included a fascinating insight into Monaco's split-second decisions:

Kim Emmen and the magnificent grey Imagine N.O.P. secured the final podium spot with a bold, fluid round in 34.08 seconds. For the Dutch rider, it felt like victory:

The hard-luck story belonged to Andreas Schou and Napoli vh Nederassenthof, who had four faults but posted an incredible 32.60 seconds—proving they would have challenged for the win without that costly rail.

Monaco Grand Prix Podium:

1. Simon Delestre (FRA) - Cayman Jolly Jumper - 0 32.06s - €330,000

2. Harry Charles (GBR) - Sherlock - 0 33.90s - €200,000

3. Kim Emmen (NED) - Imagine N.O.P. - 0 34.08s - €150,000

This victory earned Delestre his golden ticket to the Super Grand Prix in Prague and significantly tightened the LGCT championship race. With Gilles Thomas adding only modest points with his 14th place finish, the Frenchman has positioned himself as a serious title threat.

LGCT Overall Standings (Top 5) After Monaco:

1. Gilles Thomas (BEL) - 183.0 points

2. Simon Delestre (FRA) - 158.2 points

3. Andreas Schou (DEN) - 126.0 points

4. Denis Lynch (IRL) - 112.2 points

5. Pieter Devos (BEL) - 105.0 points

GCL Monaco: Strategic Masterclass by Valkenswaard United

The team competition provided its own high-stakes drama, with Valkenswaard United executing a perfect strategy to claim victory. Their riders Gilles Thomas (Qalista DN) and Lorenzo de Luca (Jappeloup) delivered ice-cool clear rounds under pressure for their third win of the season.

The victory was crucial, rocketing them into the lead of the 2025 GCL championship with the mid-season transfer window approaching. As team owner Jan Tops noted,

GCL Monaco Results:

1. Valkenswaard United - Thomas/de Luca

2. Basel Cosmopolitans - Schou/Andersson

3. Prague Lions - Devos/Bruynseels

GCL Overall Standings (Top 5) After Monaco:

1. Valkenswaard United - 124 points

2. Shanghai Swans - 118 points

3. Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames - 116 points

4. Basel Cosmopolitans - 89 points

5. Prague Lions - 88 points

Spruce Meadows 'North American': Irish Dynasty Reaches Fever Pitch

The $1 Million ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup: Family Feud Reaches Its Peak

spruce_meadows

71K followers

View more on Instagram

Sometimes sport writes scripts so perfect you couldn't imagine them. Daniel Coyle's decade-long quest for a Spruce Meadows 5* Grand Prix victory, ending with him beating his own brother Jordan in a four-horse jump-off for $1 million? You can't make this stuff up.

"It only took 10 years," the 30-year-old smiled, the relief of finally conquering this particular mountain evident in every word. But this wasn't just about persistence—it was about tactical brilliance and horsemanship under ultimate pressure.

Santiago Varela's Championship Test

The Spanish course designer, whose resume includes co-designing for Paris 2024, set a formidable 615-meter track that perfectly separated the field. Only eight pairs managed clear first rounds, with the top twelve advancing to an equally challenging second round.

When the dust settled, a rare and thrilling scenario emerged: four pairs tied on zero faults, necessitating a jump-off for the title. The quartet? American Kyle King, Saudi Arabia's Abdulrahman Alrajhi, and both Coyle brothers.

The Equipment Masterclass

Daniel's victory wasn't just about riding—it was about problem-solving. After a "snag" at the World Cup Finals where Incredible "didn't really know where he was going" in his usual snaffle, Coyle devised a specific plan. For the two challenging rounds, he used a pelham for "more control and so I can place him at the jumps better." For the jump-off, he switched back to a snaffle, allowing Incredible to be "free and run the way he did."

This calculated equipment change proved to be the masterstroke.

Jump-Off Family Drama

Jordan went first aboard Chaccolino, laying down a blistering 35.86 seconds and throwing down the gauntlet to his younger sibling. The pressure was immense—this was Daniel's moment, and his brother had just made it incredibly difficult.

Daniel's response was perfection. Flying around the shortened course with masterful lines and relentless galloping, he crossed the timers at 35.21 seconds. Kyle King came agonizingly close with 35.29 seconds—just eight-hundredths separating first and second place.

Queen Elizabeth II Cup Final Results:

1. Daniel Coyle (IRL) - Incredible - 0/0 35.21s - $230,000

2. Kyle King (USA) - Kayenne Z - 0/0 35.29s - $140,000

3. Jordan Coyle (IRL) - Chaccolino - 0/0 35.86s - $105,000

The Week of Irish Domination

While Daniel claimed the crown, no rider was more consistently dominant than Jordan Coyle. The elder brother won three major FEI classes during the week, including a spectacular performance in the Kubota Cup where he and For Gold won by nearly four seconds—a 75.59-second time that was simply untouchable.

His weapon of choice was the remarkable For Gold, a partnership that has been virtually unbeatable in speed competitions. Their sixth FEI win of the 2025 Spruce Meadows season alone proved that some combinations just find their perfect stage.

Jordan's other victories included the AKITA Drilling Cup (51.79s with For Gold) and the Friends of the Meadows Cup (40.35s with King Kannan GP). Add his third place in the Grand Prix, and you have a week of sustained excellence.

spruce_meadows

71K followers

View more on Instagram

Other Major Spruce Meadows Results:

Sun Life Derby Winner: Mckayla Langmeier (USA) and Pepita VD Rollebeek delivered the only double-clear performance over Leopoldo Palacios's grueling Derby course. The 25-year-old American's victory was a masterclass in developing partnerships, as she guided the "greener" mare to victory in one of her first seasons at the 5* level.

Speed Demon of the Week: Jordan Coyle's three victories showcased his mastery of Spruce Meadows' vast International Ring, where his aggressive, forward-riding style allows him to leave out strides on the long gallops between fences.

Quick Hits

🇬🇧 British Homecoming at Bolesworth: Laura Renwick delivered a fairytale victory in the €106,000 Al Shira'aa Grand Prix, blazing to victory in 37.10 seconds with 8-year-old Marseille. The emotional win marked her comeback from serious injury and was the first CSI4* Grand Prix win for a British female rider since 2015.

Bolesworth Grand Prix Podium:

1. Laura Renwick (GBR) - Marseille - 37.10s

2. David Simpson (IRL) - Pjotr van de Kruishoeve - 37.18s

3. Jessica Burke (IRL) - Good Star du Bary - 38.01s

🇺🇸 VanderVeen's Tryon Dominance: Kristen VanderVeen's 34.48-second winning time with Bull Run's Jireh was nearly four seconds faster than second place—her second consecutive "Saturday Night Lights" Grand Prix victory showcasing total mastery of the venue.

Tryon Grand Prix Podium:

1. Kristen VanderVeen (USA) - Bull Run's Jireh - 34.48s

2. Brittni Raflowitz (ISR) - Commander Bond - 38.32s

3. Richie Moloney (IRL) - Coco Beach - 40.15s

🇫🇷 French Sweep in Royan: Veteran Cedric Angot led a tricolore celebration as French riders swept the entire 1.50m Grand Prix podium, with Robin Lesqueren and Edouard Chauvet completing the home nation domination.

Royan Grand Prix Podium:

1. Cedric Angot (FRA) - Gandor du Fief - 40.54s

2. Robin Lesqueren (FRA) - FBI D'Ellipse - 41.67s

3. Edouard Chauvet (FRA) - Zia Mia De La Bonn Z - 41.89s

🇺🇸 American Breakthroughs: Daisy Farish finally broke through at Traverse City after four spring top-10s, winning the $117,000 Meijer Grand Prix. Philip McGuane conquered a massive 14-horse jump-off at Lake Placid—the largest since 1990—claiming the $100,000 Richard M. Feldman Memorial Grand Prix.

Traverse City Grand Prix Podium:

1. Daisy Farish (USA) - Etonemoi del Cabalero - 38.02s

2. Jacob Pope (USA) - Highway FBH - 38.77s

3. Ali Ramsay (CAN) - Conrado 12

Lake Placid Grand Prix Podium:

1. Philip McGuane (IRL) - Orphea HQ - 38.98s

2. Beat Mandli (SUI) - Qoachella - 39.41s

3. Katie Dinan (USA) - Out Of The Blue SCF - 39.65s

🇩🇪 Ben Maher's Triple Crown: The British star earned Aachen's "Prize of the Federal Chancellor" as leading rider, winning the brutally tough RWE Prize with Point Break while his mount Dallas Vegas Batilly was named best horse for the second consecutive year.

Aachen RWE Prize Podium:

1. Ben Maher (GBR) - Point Break - 46.78s

2. Ioli Mytilineou (GRE) - La Perla vd Heffinck - 4 faults

3. Christian Kukuk (GER) - Chageorge - 4 faults

🇳🇱 Dutch Team Shuffle: The European Championships squad was forced to make changes after Hessel Hoekstra's Comthago VDL sustained a minor injury at Aachen. Michael Greeve and Denver move up to the team, with Kevin Jochems and Camilla van de Helle added as traveling reserves.

Looking Ahead: Championship Moments and Rising Stars

After a week of unprecedented drama with three simultaneous 5* Grand Prix, the sport shifts gears toward a fascinating blend of seasoned professionals and championship futures. Next week brings the perfect mix—elite Nations Cup action, continental championships for the next generation, and continued high-level European circuit competition.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CSIO5 Falsterbo (Sweden, July 10-13)* One of the most atmospheric events on the calendar offers historic Swedish coastal charm with serious Nations Cup competition. "Team Audevard" (Great Britain) fields Sienna Charles, Simon Crippen, Oliver Fletcher, and Joe Stockdale in the festival-like setting that's uniquely Falsterbo.

FEI Jumping European Championships for Young Riders, Juniors & Children (Germany, July 8-13) The sport's future takes center stage as 294 riders from 33 nations descend on Riesenbeck International.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ CSI4 Valkenswaard Summer Festival (Netherlands, July 10-13)*

⭐⭐⭐⭐ CSI4 Chantilly (France, July 10-13)*

⭐⭐⭐ CSI3 WEC Ocala Summer Series Week 5 (USA, July 8-13)*

⭐⭐⭐ CSI3 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival Week 2 (USA, July 10-13)*

Helgstrand-Schockemöhle Online Foal Auction (July 13-15)

The bigger picture looms large—Spruce Meadows 'Masters' in September where Fuchs will attempt to continue his Rolex Grand Slam quest, and the approaching World Championships where these summer performances determine team selections. Every ride matters now.

This Week's Rating: 9.4/10

How do you rate a week when three of the sport's biggest events deliver simultaneously? This was showjumping at its absolute finest—technical excellence, emotional storytelling, and edge-of-your-seat drama across three continents.

Fuchs ending his decade-long Aachen quest with tactical brilliance, Delestre destroying a world-class field by nearly two seconds in Monaco's ultimate pressure cooker, and the Coyle brothers' sibling rivalry reaching its crescendo in a million-dollar jump-off—these are the storylines that define careers and captivate fans.

Add in USA's systematic domination at Aachen, the tightening LGCT championship race, and breakthrough performances from rising stars like Nina Mallevaey and Kim Emmen, and you get a week that showcased every element that makes this sport irresistible.

When three Grand Prix offer €4.2 million combined and deliver this level of drama, you're watching the sport at its peak.

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!