Christian Kukuk and Checker Strike Gold in Thrilling Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London

The sold-out Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London delivered yet another unforgettable afternoon of world-class sport, electric atmosphere, and championship-defining drama – with Germany’s Christian Kukuk and his legendary partner Checker 47 finally taking the top spot in the capital.

The pair, who had finished second in this very class just twelve months ago, delivered a masterclass of precision and speed to finally take the top spot, their first Grand Prix win together since the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Riyadh last year.

On a picture-perfect British summer’s afternoon, the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea provided an iconic backdrop as the world’s best battled it out before a completely sold-out crowd, with standing room only. The atmosphere crackled with energy, every cheer echoing off the grandstands as home hero Ben Maher lit up the jump-off in dramatic fashion.

Twice a previous winner of this class (2013, 2019), Maher and the ultra-consistent 11-year-old Point Break were early to go in the jump-off – and made a statement. Taking an incredible 5.3 seconds off the leading time at that stage, Maher set the arena alight to take second place today.

Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels took a hugely popular third place on his new mount, the 12-year-old stallion Chacco’s Lando OL. This was the combination’s very first LGCT appearance together – and only their third show in total.

Securing his golden ticket to the 2025 LGCT Super Grand Prix in Prague at the GC Playoffs he went on to say: “Whoever has ridden the LGCT Super Grand Prix once in their life wants to do it again, I have done it now twice in Prague and once in Riyadh and I am really excited for it already now – Prague is an amazing show, the crowd is amazing, the atmosphere is incredible – it’s a really special show. It is the only indoor show we have in the season which makes it even more special, and the LGCT Super Grand Prix on Saturday night there is super exciting.”

Having never won a 5* Grand Prix together, Ben Maher and Point Break really delivered today. “Proud, really proud of him – he’s incredible. We have to win one of these for him one of these days… it’s been close a number of times now!” As for a home show? Ben added, “It’s incredible to ride here at home and have my family here which means a lot to me!”

“It’s unbelievable really!” Niels Bruynseels said. As such a new partnership he explained, “It is not the position I expected to be in at the beginning of the week, I wasn’t even sure I’d jump him in the Grand Prix qualifier on Friday, then again, I wasn’t sure if I would jump him today in the LGCT Grand Prix as maybe it is a little early, as I really wanted to make the best plan possible for him… but at the end of the day, it looks like this was the best plan!”

The Royal Hospital Chelsea provided its trademark grandeur, with a picture-perfect British summer backdrop and a packed grandstand – creating an atmosphere that riders described as ‘insane.’ The iconic Chelsea Pensioners, resplendent in their scarlet coats, escorted the winners to prize-giving beneath the historic brick façade.

The Championship race remains electric. Despite an early exit today, Gilles Thomas retains the overall lead on 206 points, followed by Simon Delestre on 158.2 and Andreas Schou on 140. Maikel van der Vleuten moves into fourth on 131.67, while today’s win rockets Kukuk from 13th to fifth on 130 points, injecting himself firmly into the title fight as the season builds towards its climax.

The jump-off promised fireworks and it didn’t disappoint.

Early to go, Maher and his quick 11-year-old stallion Point Break shaved an extraordinary 5.3 seconds off the leading time at that point, sending the London crowd into a frenzy showing once again he knows exactly how to make the most of the London stage.

For others, fortune was not on their side. Defending champion Harry Charles and Sherlock – so sensational here last year – couldn’t quite replicate their 2024 magic, while American Natalie Dean set the tone in the first round as the very first clear but saw her hopes fade with four faults in the decider.

Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels marked a welcome return to the LGCT podium with his talented new partner Chacco’s Lando OL, a 12-year-old stallion making his first appearance on tour. The pair produced a faultless round, as the first double clear of the day in 46.49 seconds.

Both Kim Emmen and Sophine Hinners gave it their all on Imagine N.O.P. and Iron Dames Combella, both having one down kept them off the podium today. But it was Christian Kukuk who had everyone’s hearts in their mouths as he came at a flat-out gallop to the last, ultimately shaving milliseconds off the time to beat to fly into the lead on Checker 47.

Maikel van der Vleuten and the brilliant Beauville Z N.O.P. – previous LGCT Grand Prix winners – produced a typically classy round but had to settle for fifth after a rail down, while Belgium’s Emilie Conter impressed in her first-ever LGCT Grand Prix appearance, jumping straight into the jump-off with the 10-year-old mare Portobella van de Fruitkorf and only lowering the final fence.

With Gregory Wathelet and his lightning-fast Bond James Bond de Hay last to go, known for their pace, the duo looked threatening until an early rail dashed their hopes, leaving the door wide open for Kukuk to celebrate in style with his team in the warm-up.

When the dust settled, Kukuk and the 15-year-old Westphalian gelding Checker 47 stood proudly atop the podium with an unbeatable time of 40.41 seconds, followed by Maher just fractions behind in 40.79, and Bruynseels completing the podium in 46.49.

As the LGCT Championship heads into its final stretch, Kukuk’s victory adds more intrigue to an already tense leaderboard. With his place at the GC Playoffs in Prague now secured, all eyes will be on whether this momentum can carry him to season glory.

London once again proved itself one of the crown jewels of the LGCT calendar – an intoxicating mix of elite sport, world-class horses, and an atmosphere only the British capital can deliver. As the sun dipped over Chelsea, the focus shifted to the next stop: LGCT Valkenswaard, 22–24 August 2025, the home of the Longines Global Champions Tour. Tickets are still available, and the stage is set for another unforgettable weekend.

Watch the full class replay now on GCTV.

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