Kukuk led an all-German podium after finishing the deciding round in 37.04 seconds — just 0.07 seconds ahead of runner-up Jens Wawrauscheck (JW horses) and Mava S (Messenger x Sandro). Markus Renzel took third place with Pikeur Lemar NRW (Los Angeles x Baloubet du Rouet), stopping the clock at 37.35 seconds.

The top five was rounded out by Ales Opatrny of the Czech Republic, who finished fourth aboard Kapsones W (Cornet Obolensky x Carambole) in 37.77 seconds, and Germany’s Laura Klaphake, who posted the fastest time of the jump-off — a blazing 35.86 seconds on Quizano VDL (Diamant de Semilly x Kannan) — but dropped a rail, relegating her to fifth place.

"It was a very demanding course today," Kukuk said afterward. "We had some unique challenges — the wall, the bicycle fence, and the water jump — but having nine clear rounds in the jump-off shows what a great job the course designer did. And the jump-off itself was incredibly exciting."

Kukuk also credited legendary German rider Ludger Beerbaum, his mentor and employer, for Chageorge’s preparation during the winter. While Kukuk competed in the U.S., Beerbaum kept the talented chestnut in top form.

"He prepared everything brilliantly, so now I'm reaping some of the rewards he has sown," Kukuk said.

Describing his mount, Kukuk added: "Chageorge is incredibly intelligent, athletic, and fast — showjumping is in his blood."

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