The Longines CHI Classics Basel delivered exactly what the sold-out St. Jakobshalle crowd demanded: electric indoor showjumping with championship-level intensity. Richard Vogel walked away with his second World Cup victory of the season, extending his commanding lead in the Western European League standings to 56 points and mathematically securing his ticket to Fort Worth.

Gérard Lachat and Gregory Bodo set a course that separated the contenders from the pretenders. The 1.60m track featured 14 obstacles and 17 efforts, with the delicate plank at fence 13 becoming the bogey fence of the day: falling seven times and claiming some of the world's best. The triple combination preceded by a massive 1.58m oxer demanded horses that could compress after a big effort, testing longitudinal adjustability to its limits.

From a field of over 40, only seven combinations found the key to a clear round: that ideal 17% clear rate that makes for compelling sport without overcrowding the jump-off.

Richard Vogel entered the arena riding United Touch S with a tactical masterplan. The stallion's massive 12-foot stride theoretically puts him at a disadvantage in tight indoor arenas, but Vogel executed a round of pure genius. He left out strides in the first two lines, doing one less than his rivals on the curving seven-stride line from fence 10 to 11. By the halfway point, he was already a full second ahead of Kim Emmen's benchmark time.

Then came the tactical brilliance. Recognizing his advantage, Vogel "hit cruise control" for the final three fences, allowing United Touch S to jump cleanly without chasing. He crossed the finish in 40.12 seconds, the only rider to break 41 seconds.

"I was happy that I won the game today," Vogel said, crediting Julien Epaillard for suggesting the hackamore (bitless bridle) that allowed the stallion to relax and use his natural stride more effectively. The fact that Epaillard loaned Vogel the tack, then finished 5th himself, highlights the unique camaraderie at the top of the sport.

Kim Emmen (NED) delivered another brilliant performance on Imagine N.O.P., finishing second in 41.55 seconds. This result, combined with her Friday CSI5* Grand Prix victory at the same show, confirms the Dutch rider's arrival as a consistent five-star threat. Her first-ever CSI5* Grand Prix win on Friday—the only double clear of that competition—marked a career-defining milestone for the Paris 2024 Olympian.

Norwegian Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen rode Equine America Harwich VDL to third with a strategic clear round in 46.85 seconds. He prioritized leaving all the rails up over chasing the clock, a decision that earned him crucial World Cup points and propelled him to 5th in the overall standings—within striking distance of his first World Cup Final appearance.

Martin Fuchs (SUI) had the home crowd on their feet when he posted the fastest time of the jump-off (40.43 seconds on L&L Lorde), but a heartbreaking rail relegated the Swiss star to 4th. Julien Epaillard (FRA), the sport's fastest rider, couldn't catch Vogel either, finishing 5th with one rail down in 40.56 seconds.

CSI5-W Basel World Cup Podium: Full Results

Saturday belonged to the home nation with an all-Swiss podium in the 1.50m Prize of Gerüstbau Nordwest. Olympic Champion Steve Guerdat topped the class aboard Is-Minka (Mylord Carthago) in 60.05 seconds, ahead of Martin Fuchs on the exciting young horse Love de Vie (61.40s) and Bryan Balsiger on Fais Toi Belle du Seigneur Pleville CH (62.15s).

The evening's "Golden Drum" Championship saw an upset when Josch Löhden (GER) beat the renowned speed specialist Hans-Dieter Dreher by just 0.15 seconds (33.16s vs. 33.31s) to claim the €100,000+ prize on EIC Schabernack.

Basel made history beyond the sport itself by partnering with independent welfare monitors from R-Haltenswert, granting them unrestricted access to warm-up arenas, stabling, and walkways. This "zero-tolerance" policy regarding horse welfare signaled a systemic shift in event governance, setting a new standard for transparency in elite competition.

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Scott Brash delivered a performance for the ages in Doha, becoming the first rider in recent memory to win both a CSI3* Grand Prix and a CSI5* Grand Prix on the same day. The "Ice Man" lived up to his nickname, displaying the tactical genius and mental compartmentalization that defines Rolex Grand Slam champions.

The CSI5* Grand Prix, designed by Portuguese course builder Bernardo Costa Cabral, featured a tight 75-second time allowed that proved unforgiving. Britain's Harry Charles left every rail in the cups but crossed the finish in 75.40 seconds (0.40 seconds over the limit). A single time penalty relegated a potential winner to 10th place.

Of 38 starters, only nine managed clear rounds: that statistically ideal 23% that strikes the balance between entertainment and selectivity.

The winning round was a masterclass in recovery. Riding the 17-year-old Hello Jefferson (Cooper van de Heffinck x Irco Mena), Brash faced an early problem when the gelding spooked at an island decoration between fences one and two. "He spooked at the island early in the course, forcing me to add a stride to fence two, and subsequently another stride to fence three to regain control," Brash explained.

At that moment, Brash was statistically behind the benchmark set by France's Mégane Moissonnier, who had posted a blistering clear in 42.78 seconds aboard Crooner Tame. A lesser rider might have panicked and chased the clock. Brash recalculated instantly.

The turn to the last vertical was blind and acute. Brash executed this turn with surgical precision, slicing the angle so significantly that he made up the lost time and crossed the timers in 42.66 seconds (a mere 0.12 seconds ahead of Moissonnier).

At 17 years old, Hello Jefferson is defying the typical career arc of elite showjumpers. "He seems to get bored if he is at home too long without a show," Brash noted. "He is a joy to look after." The gelding's longevity—a testament to brilliant management—proves that horses kept mentally engaged without over-jumping can compete at the absolute pinnacle well beyond their supposed prime.

Eve Jobs (USA) rounded out the podium with Canto Bruno, posting a smooth clear in 43.42 seconds. The American's third-place finish moves her to 3rd in the overall Doha Equestrian Tour standings, proving her program is peaking perfectly for the winter season.

CSI5 Doha Tour 2 Grand Prix Podium: Full Results

Before the lights fully illuminated the arena for the five-star spectacle, Brash had already claimed the CSI3* Grand Prix victory aboard Hello Chadora Lady. The 2013 Oldenburg mare (Chacco-Blue x Nintender) displayed pure speed, stopping the clock at 32.34 seconds—more than a full second faster than runner-up Abdel Saïd (BEL) on Wathnan Calvaro (33.49s).

This dual victory highlights the depth required at the top of the sport. Brash managed his "A-team" horse (Hello Jefferson) for maximum ranking points while using his speed horse to maintain momentum and confidence. He entered the five-star GP with "house money" that perhaps allowed him to take that final turn risk that ultimately sealed the win.

The story beyond the podium was the performance of Thailand's Janakabhorn Karunayadhaj, who finished 4th riding Maxwin Kinmar Bespoke. Her double-clear performance in 44.52 seconds, ahead of Olympic medalists and World Cup winners, signals that Asian riders are moving from the "participation" phase to the "contender" phase at the five-star level. This is a watershed moment for Asian showjumping.

Twenty-six-year-old Joseph Stockdale claimed his first-ever CSI5* Grand Prix victory in Abu Dhabi, piloting the 12-year-old Westphalian stallion Ebanking to the only double clear of the competition. For a rider who took up showjumping seriously only after his father Tim Stockdale's passing in 2018, this victory represents a validation of resilience and talent seizing opportunity.

Alan Wade's 1.60m course proved to be championship-caliber, featuring a vertical over a water tray that emerged as the defining challenge of the day. This fence accounted for faults in nearly 50% of the field (a staggering attrition rate). The visual distraction of the shimmering water, combined with its placement late in the course when horses were fatigued, created a psychological test that thinned the field to just five clear rounds from 41 starters.

Maximilian Lill (GER) went first aboard Viverter PS, attacking with maximum pressure. He was lightning fast until the final fence, where fatigue or the flattening effect of speed cost him a rail (4 faults in 37.55 seconds).

Saudi Arabia's Ramzy Al Duhami followed, chasing Lill's time but couldn't match the German's turn speed. He also dropped a rail, finishing in 37.93 seconds.

Stockdale entered third, holding all the tactical cards. He had observed two riders fail to jump clear. "I took a couple of risks, but not as risky as if I was just going for the time," he explained. He found the "middle ground"—trim and fast without being reckless.

The pair crossed the finish in 38.12 seconds with zero faults. The pressure immediately shifted to the final two riders.

David Will (GER) rode Xixo Borgia (Big Star x Sandro Boy) with devastating speed, utilizing the stallion's massive stride to slice turns tighter than Stockdale. He stopped the clock at 37.45 seconds (nearly 0.7 seconds faster), but the 4 faults relegated him to second place. It perfectly illustrated the risk-reward calculation Wade built into the course.

"He's been very unlucky in the last few rounds," Stockdale said of Ebanking. "So it's great to get the result, he's deserved that for a while." The horse had been knocking on the door—faster than Kent Farrington in the King's Cup at Royal Windsor 2024 but tipping the final rail. In Abu Dhabi, everything came together.

CSI5 Abu Dhabi President's Cup Grand Prix Podium: Full Results

The British success continued throughout the week. Alexander McLean won the CSI5* 1.50m Two Phase on Calixte Heartbreaker Z, beating World Number One Henrik von Eckermann by just 0.13 seconds. This British 1-2-3 across the week (Stockdale's GP win, McLean's speed class victory, and multiple other placings) suggests formidable depth beyond the usual "Brash and Maher" show. A new generation is capable of beating the world's best on foreign soil.

🇰🇼 Kuwait CSI3-W: Al Sharbatly's Stranglehold

Abdullah Al Sharbatly (KSA) delivered a masterclass in the Arab League World Cup qualifier, winning aboard Skorphults Baloutendro by nearly five seconds (a lifetime in modern showjumping). His winning time of 35.66 seconds was untouchable. Kuwait's home defense was strong though, with Hussain Alkharafi (GK C'est Un Reve) taking second in 40.09s, Annaz Al Annaz (Carlsson 69) third in 40.24s, and Yara Al Hunaidi (Caprice 563) fourth with a quick four-faulter in 42.42s. Al Sharbatly's dominance virtually assures his World Cup Final spot.

Podium: Full Results

🇺🇸 Wellington CSI3: Busca Roca's Saturday Night Breakthrough

Spain's Gonzalo Busca Roca claimed his first-ever "Saturday Night Lights" victory at Winter Equestrian Festival, piloting Cristiano Obolensky (Cornet Obolensky x Stakkato) to victory in 41.70 seconds—a full second clear of the field. Nick Granat's "delicate and tough" course saw nine combinations return for the jump-off. A rare tie for second saw Marilyn Little (USA) on La Contessa and Tanner Korotkin (USA) on Kinmar Quality Hero both finish in exactly 42.77 seconds. Little earned "Leading Lady Rider" honors for the week. Busca Roca announced the 11-year-old gelding will rest several weeks before targeting the CSI4* grass derby during WEF 4.

Podium: Full Results

🇺🇸 Ocala CSI3: McCutcheon's Youth Movement

Twenty-year-old Carlee McCutcheon delivered a breakout performance at World Equestrian Center, claiming her first-ever CSI3* Grand Prix victory aboard the 15-year-old Aralyn Blue (Chacco-Blue x Ludwigs As). The U25 rider's "hat trick" week (qualifier podium, U25 Grand Prix win, and CSI3* Grand Prix victory) is exceptionally rare and signals her as a prime candidate for future senior team selection. Francis Derwin (IRL) finished second on Flexi K, while Sharn Wordley (NZL) took third on Brin D'or De Haute Melen Z in 38.31s. Kent Farrington dominated early week action, winning the qualifier on Orafina, but treated the show as high-caliber training for his championship horses.

Podium: Full Results

🇦🇺 Australia Magic Millions: Racing Money Transforms Showjumping

The Magic Millions Showjumping offered over $1.56 million AUD in prize money (comparable to five-star Grand Prix purses in Europe), funded by the thoroughbred racing industry. The Senior Team Competition was won by James Harron Bloodstock & Aveley Homes (Jamie Kermond, Emma Smith, Paige McBain) with a perfect zero score. This influx of racing capital creates a financial ecosystem for Australian showjumping unrivaled in the region, keeping top horses domestic and elevating local competition standards. The cross-pollination of racing wealth (Coolmore, Godolphin) into sport horse disciplines is a trend global markets are watching closely.

The opening weeks of 2026 brought significant movement in the sport horse market and regulatory landscape. The implementation of the 2026 FEI Rules saw its first operational test, with stricter stable security protocols enforced at events worldwide. Article 1008's "only equidae, dogs and humans" mandate tightened access controls, forcing riders and grooms through enhanced checkpoints (necessary friction for biosecurity and safety).

The young horse welfare provisions are already reshaping production. Five-year-old competitions can no longer be run against the clock, shifting events to "Clear Round" or "Style" formats. This fundamental change prioritizes longevity over early speed and is visible in schedules at Ocala and Leipzig where young horse classes were adjusted accordingly.

The market for elite horses remains robust despite broader economic uncertainties. Secret Agent PJF, the eight-year-old Bundeschampionate finalist (Secret x Follow Me), sold to a German Junior rider, reflecting high demand for "made" young horses capable of carrying juniors to top levels immediately.

The January Youhorse.auction confirmed global market appetite: Rush de la Liniere (€40,000 to Mexico), Exellentia Z (to Middle East), and Karelli (to USA) demonstrated continued demand across price points and regions. Meanwhile, the Magic Millions' $1.56 million AUD prize fund signals that thoroughbred racing money is transforming Australian showjumping economics, creating a domestic "crown jewel" event that anchors riders' seasons without requiring horse exports to survive financially.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CSI5-W Leipzig 🇩🇪 (Germany, January 14-18)

The Partner Pferd festival brings Leg 9 of the Western European League to the intense indoor atmosphere of Leipzig. Richard Vogel (56 points) enters with his World Cup Final spot secured but will face defending champion Willem Greve (NED, 52 points), who won here last year on Highway TN. The tight arena favors quick-thinking horses over raw scope. Watch for the clash between Vogel's current dominance and Greve's venue mastery. Their Sunday Grand Prix battle will determine seedings heading into Amsterdam. Steve Guerdat, Julien Epaillard (3rd, 46 points), and Simon Delestre complete a field that promises championship-level indoor showjumping.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ CSI4/CSI2 Ocala 🇺🇸 (USA, January 13-18)

Winter Spectacular III upgrades to four-star status with increased prize money and ranking points. Daniel Coyle (IRL) returns with his championship string while Kent Farrington continues his campaign. Aaron Vale brings local venue knowledge that often produces jump-off magic. Expect Coyle to challenge Farrington's recent dominance.

⭐⭐⭐ CSI3 Wellington 🇺🇸 (USA, January 14-18)

WEF 2 features Shane Sweetnam (IRL) with his Sweet Oak Farm powerhouse stable, Canadian force Erynn Ballard bringing De Flor 111 Z and Epsilon De Brenil, and Nayel Nassar (EGY) with Esi Ali. Sunday's Grand Prix may utilize the Derby Field if weather permits.

⭐⭐⭐ CSI3 Shenzhen-Guangming 🇨🇳 (China, January 15-18)

This week gets an 8.4/10 for exceptional variety and the activation of the global winter calendar.

Basel delivered championship-level indoor showjumping with Vogel's tactical genius, the challenging Lachat/Bodo course (ideal 17% clear rate), and Kim Emmen's breakthrough. The Swiss indoor atmosphere combined with World Cup stakes produced exactly what elite showjumping should be.

The Middle East offered solid results but lacked the emotional resonance. Brash's same-day double was remarkable and Hello Jefferson's longevity at 17 is a beautiful story, but the outdoor desert venues in January don't match the electricity of packed European indoor arenas. These felt more like strategic horse rotation than must-watch sport.

Florida saved the rating. Busca Roca's Saturday Night Lights breakthrough and McCutcheon's U25 dominance delivered genuine storylines. The Battle of Florida between Wellington's tradition and WEC's modern infrastructure is developing beautifully.

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