17.05.2025

Katrin Eckermann delivered a breathtaking performance aboard the phenomenal Chao Lee to capture the 49th edition of the prestigious Copa S.M. El Rey presented by Caser Grupo Helvetia, in a thrilling showdown at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid.

Set against the iconic backdrop of the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid’s sweeping grass arena, the historic class drew a stellar field of world-class talent, including past champions and fan favourites. Among those spotted ringside were legends of the sport such as Eric van der Vleuten, while 2023 winner Simon Delestre, and 2022 winner, Gilles Thomas, added to the electric atmosphere.

Under the blazing Spanish sun, 14 elite combinations returned for the jump-off, serving up a heart-pounding contest that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Second to go, Eckermann and Chao Lee laid down a daring, precision-perfect round that stopped the clock 0.86 seconds ahead of closest challengers Gilles Thomas and Luna van het Dennehof. Christian Ahlmann and Mandato van de Neerheide completed the podium as the only other pair to break the 40-second barrier.

After her win, Katrin spoke with Rosie Tapner, reflecting on her partnership with Chao Lee: “She’s an unbelievable horse, we couldn’t be more proud as a family to be the breeders - she is giving everything in every course… She loves big grass arena’s. She jumped amazing in Mexico City, here yesterday, and again today. And in front of this crowd? It’s truly amazing.”

She went on to speak about the energy from the stands:

"It’s everything as a rider, it’s really something special when you canter into the ring and you have the crowd behind you.”

All-Star Line-Up - Final Results
 
1st – Katrin Eckermann & Chao Lee - 38.51s
2nd – Gilles Thomas & Luna van het Dennehof - 39.37s
3rd – Christian Ahlmann & Mandato van de Neerheide - 39.75s
4th – Cian O’Connor & Gengis Kann de Londe - 40.32s
5th – Simon Delestre & Acatitla LS - 40.92s
 
The atmosphere reached its peak as home hero Eduardo Álvarez Aznar entered the arena aboard the legendary Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot for their final competitive appearance ahead of the horse’s retirement ceremony tomorrow. With the crowd on their feet and hearts in their throats, it wasn’t meant to be a storybook ending this time. Aznar made the heartfelt decision to retire mid-round, choosing to preserve Roky’s legacy with the farewell he truly deserves - just shy of a fairytale finish, but no less unforgettable.
The Jump-Off Drama
 
Kicking off the electric jump-off, Gilles Thomas set an early benchmark with a rapid clear on Luna van het Dennehof, aiming to recreate his victory in this class from three years ago. Stopping the clock in 39.37 seconds, it became an agonising wait to see if it would hold.

Crowd favourite Katrin Eckermann and the ever-reliable Chao Lee delivered a breathtaking double clear, taking a daring risk to the final fence. Shaving off precious fractions of a second, they crossed the line in 38.51 seconds - seizing the lead and igniting the crowd.

Cian O’Connor opted for a more conservative approach aboard Gengis Kann de Londe, posting a smooth clear round but finishing over a second adrift of Eckermann’s time.

It wasn’t to be for Ioli Mytilineou, Nicola Philippaerts, or Tom Wachman, who each produced fast rounds but were kept out of contention with four faults apiece.

Defending champion Denis Lynch suffered a surprise upset with an uncharacteristic four faults on Brooklyn Heights at the penultimate fence, dashing hopes of a back-to-back win.

Known for his precision and pace, Christian Ahlmann gave it a go on Mandato van de Neerheide. Up on the clock at the halfway mark, an extra check before the final fence cost him, stopping the clock at 39.75 seconds - enough to claim third place.

Flying Frenchman Simon Delestre, the final past winner in the field, gave a gutsy effort on Acatitla LS, but despite a valiant attempt, he fell just short, sliding into fifth.

With the weight of the home crowd behind him, Iván Serrano Sáez was the last to enter the arena. Rain Man soared clear until the final fence, where an ambitious angle proved costly. The rail fell, but the crowd erupted in support, celebrating a fearless ride - while the win went to an elated Katrin Eckermann.

As the curtain closed on a spectacular day of sport at Stage 4 of the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour, anticipation now turns to the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Madrid, set to thrill fans tomorrow, 18 May, at 5pm CET.

Catch all the action live on GCTV - The Best Seat in Show Jumping.