Martin Fuchs and his 13-year-old KWPN gelding, Leone Jei (Baltic VDL x Corland), soared to victory in Aachen with a spectacular round. Crossing the finish in 50.29 seconds, Fuchs left the competition over two seconds behind. "Leone proves himself once again," Fuchs beamed afterward. "This is truly a milestone!"

As the last to go, Laura Kraut and Baloutinue (Balou du Rouet x Landor S) made a determined attempt to chase the clock. They stopped the clock at 52.41 seconds, just edging out Steve Guerdat to take second place. Guerdat and his 12-year-old mare, Dynamix de Belheme (Snaike de Blondel x Cornet Obolensky), settled for third.

Also clear in the jump-off, Stephan de Freitas Barcha and Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipcio (Calvaro F.C.) secured fourth place. With one jumping fault, Nina Mallevaey completed the top five aboard Dynastie de Beaufour (Diamant de Semilly).

Nicola Philippaerts delivered the best Belgian result. Riding Katanga vh Dingeshof (Cardento), Philippaerts went clear in the first round, but an unfortunate rail in round two placed them 14th overall.

The new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender commented: “Leone Jei is an incredible horse – he has such a big stride and is so incredibly talented. In jump-offs like this, he is on another level. Last year, he was brilliant in the final round, but I made a big rider mistake. Today, I was focused the whole day, and I really wanted to improve on last year’s performance and give him the best ride possible.

The Swiss rider continued: “It is a wonderful feeling to win here, and I am already looking forward to entering the Aachen arena next year and seeing my name on the iconic winners’ board. I have to thank Leone Jei – he is such an incredible jumper and really rises to the occasion at the Rolex Grand Slam Majors. I am a very fortunate rider.”

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