The 94th Al Shira'aa German Show Jumping Derby, presented by Melitta, delivered another historic chapter as two riders conquered the notoriously challenging Hamburg Derby course with faultless first rounds. In front of 24,000 roaring spectators, André Thieme and Esteban Benitez Valle earned the 164th and 165th clear rounds ever recorded in Derby history — setting the stage for a dramatic jump-off.
Thieme, a three-time Derby champion and crowd favorite, piloted the 11-year-old Paule S (Perigueux x Sir Shutterfly) with masterful precision. Facing him in the jump-off was Olympic eventer Esteban Benitez Valle of Spain, who contested his first Hamburg Derby aboard C the Stars (Contendro I x Cassini II) — a borrowed mount from showjumper Stephan Dubsky.
Benitez Valle went first in the jump-off, knocking one rail but was later disqualified for missing a turn on the shortened course. That left Thieme needing only a clear round to secure his fourth title — a task he executed with confidence and composure.
“It felt much easier with Paule than it actually is in there,” said a beaming Thieme. “Paule makes it possible!”
This win marks a strategic and carefully calculated comeback for Thieme, who previously won the Derby in 2007, 2008, and 2011 with Nacorde. After returning from a winter stint in Florida, he gave Paule S a break and made a focused return to prepare for Hamburg. Skipping the second qualifier due to a strong first-round performance, Thieme clearly had his sights set on the Derby title.
The atmosphere in Hamburg was electric throughout the weekend. Event director Matthias Rath reflected:
“The spectators in Hamburg are simply incredible. On Sunday alone, we had around 24,000 fans in the stands — nearly 90,000 over the whole weekend. It was fantastic.”
Despite the disqualification, Benitez Valle was thrilled with his Derby debut:
“It was my first time in Hamburg. I just wanted to enjoy the ride and have a good round,” he said.
He had spent six intensive weeks preparing C the Stars for the unique demands of Derby fences.
“Maybe I’ll get to ride him at Hickstead next,” he added, hopeful for another shot at Derby glory.
Rounding out the podium, Luxembourg’s Charles Hubert Chiche claimed third place with the fastest four-fault round aboard Andain du Thalie (Calvaro F.C. x Quick Star). Their time of 159.62 seconds edged out Germany’s Frederic Tillmann and DSP Comanche VL (Cellestial x Loredo), who settled for fourth after clocking in at 169.36 seconds.
The Anrecht Investment Harmonie & Fairness Style Award, decided by audience vote, went to a familiar and well-loved face: Marvin Jüngel, who turned 24 on Derby Sunday. Although two rails down with Balou’s Erbin (Be Bravo x Consul) dropped him to eighth, the two-time Derby winner was all smiles:
“She gave her best – we’ll try again next time.”
