Miami Heats Up as Sophie Hinners Claims Day Two Victory at the Longines Global Champions Tour
Sophie Hinners untouchable in the jump-off, Menezes and Sweetnam in pursuit
The Longines Global Champions Tour continued to captivate audiences in Miami Beach, where the second day of competition delivered a compelling afternoon of top-level sport against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. With the venue once again sold out, attention turned to the CSI5* Prix Barnes (1.50m), a class where speed, accuracy, and tactical decision-making proved निर्णент.
It was Germany’s Sophie Hinners who ultimately set the standard. Riding Iron Dames Combella, Hinners produced a flawless double clear and stopped the clock at an impressive 33.16 seconds in the jump-off. Setting off early in the decisive phase, she applied immediate pressure on the field with a round that combined forward riding and careful execution, a benchmark that remained unmatched.
Reflecting on her performance, Hinners highlighted the consistency of her mare and the level of competition: the class demanded focus throughout, and the result was particularly meaningful given the calibre of riders and the setting in Miami.
Brazil’s Eduardo Pereira de Menezes secured second place with H5 Kontador VDM, delivering a composed and efficient round in 33.71 seconds. His performance kept him within striking distance of the lead, though ultimately just short of Hinners’ time.
Completing the podium, the USA’s Olivia Sweetnam continued her strong week with a third-place finish aboard Epic. Crossing the line in 34.25 seconds, she confirmed her growing presence on the international stage with another confident display.
The depth of the field was evident throughout the class. Canada’s Erynn Ballard placed fourth, followed by Belgium’s Pieter Devos in fifth. Switzerland’s Jane Richard finished sixth, while Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza opted for a more measured jump-off, incurring one time fault to take seventh. Egypt’s Abdel Said placed eighth, with Jack Whitaker rounding out the top nine.
Course designer Peter Grant presented a track that required careful planning and adaptability. The layout tested riders’ ability to maintain rhythm while managing technical questions across the course, and only a limited number of combinations advanced to the jump-off, where margins were minimal and every decision counted.
Beyond the competition itself, the Miami Beach leg once again highlighted the unique atmosphere of the circuit. The venue attracted an international audience across its hospitality areas, including well-known figures such as DJ Afrojack, reinforcing the event’s broad appeal.
Earlier in the day, attention also turned to the CSI2* competitions, where young talent Jasper Bloomberg claimed victory with a horse bred within his family. As the son of Georgina Bloomberg, he demonstrated composure and control, marking an encouraging step in his developing career.
With two days completed, focus now shifts to the highlight of the week: the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach. As the 2026 season begins to take shape, the competition in Miami has already offered a clear indication of the level and intensity that will define the months ahead.
Ph LGCT (c) Ljuba Buzzola
Source LGCT Press Release
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