CHIO Aachen 2025: Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei Win the Rolex Grand Prix

AACHEN (GERMANY) – Martin Fuchs and his exceptional partner Leone Jei made show jumping history by winning the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen 2025, one of the most prestigious events in the world. After years of competing and placing among the best, the Swiss champion finally etched his name in the record books, becoming the first Swiss rider to win at Aachen since 2004.

One of the Most Spectacular Rolex Grand Prix Ever

Fourteen pairs completed the first round without penalties. Eleven of them repeated the flawless performance in the second round, earning their place in an intense jump-off. Course designer Frank Rothenberger admitted he didn’t expect so many clears: “The horses jumped exceptionally well!”

In the final jump-off, eight fences stood between the riders and the dream prize of €1.5 million, with €500,000 reserved for the winner. The most treacherous obstacle? The final double combination, which proved costly for several top contenders, including Olympic gold medallist Christian Kukuk with Checker, and crowd favourite Richard Vogel on United Touch S.

Martin Fuchs’ Triumph

After a series of standout performances — including Brazil’s Stephan de Freitas Barcha finishing fourth with a time of 54.33 seconds, and Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat placing third with 52.59 — it was Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei who stole the show. The pair dazzled in an arena seemingly tailor-made for the powerful grey and his massive stride.

Fuchs shared that he had spent the night before reviewing every past round he’d ridden at Aachen with Leone Jei, analyzing where improvements could be made. The strategy paid off: a flawless track, shaving a stride at the final combination, and a flying finish over the last vertical brought them home in 50.29 seconds, fault-free.

France’s Nina Mallevaey, a rising star, displayed great speed aboard Dynastie de Beaufour, but four penalties relegated her to fifth — still an outstanding result for her Aachen debut.

Germany’s Gerrit Nieberg, winner of the 2022 edition, had to surrender to the inexperience of his new horse Ping Pong van de Lentamel, who was clearly unsettled by the wall fence introduced in the jump-off.

A Picture-Perfect Edition

CHIO Aachen 2025 concluded under the banner of sporting excellence. Sport Director Birgit Rosenberg summed up the event with enthusiasm: “Today we witnessed the perfect ending to an exceptional show — rain and all. The crowd joined us in celebrating the horses and the sport.”

All eyes now turn to the next leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, at Spruce Meadows, where Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei will aim to continue their remarkable journey toward the most coveted title in the world of show jumping.

Photo credits: CHIO Aachen / Jasmin Metzner

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