Richard Vogel makes sensational comeback to Longines Global Champions Tour in Mexico City
The Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico City witnessed an electrifying world-class display of show jumping today with the highly anticipated Banorte €165,000 1.55m Jump-Off Class taking center stage. As riders and spectators alike gathered at the iconic venue, Campo Marte, anticipation filled the air for an exhilarating showcase of skill, speed, and precision in the 13-rider jump-off.
It was Richard Vogel and Cydello who dominated on their first show back on the tour after flying into Mexico City to replace Eion Mcmahon on the Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian GCL team after Mcmahon was injured. Early to go in the jump off Vogel smashed pathfinder Ben Maher & Exit Remo’s time by just under half a second. Third place was secured by Katrin Eckermann onboard Chao Lee in 37.34 seconds.
The prestigious Banorte €165,000 1.55m Jump-Off Class attracted an impressive lineup of top international riders, each vying for a shot at glory and a share of the substantial prize purse. With the challenging course set at 1.55 meters, the competition was fierce, demanding flawless performances and daring manoeuvres from the competitors.
Speaking with Rosie Tapner after the final placings were revealed, Richard Vogel paid tribute to the buzzing atmosphere and those that filled the stadium. He said, “The Mexican people are so much behind the spot and behind the horses. It’s an unbelievable atmosphere and it really pushes you, so for us as the riders it’s a great environment here.”
As the tension mounted, the crowd erupted into cheers as riders navigated the course leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. Ben Maher was first to go and he set the pace taking strides out where possible he set the time to beat of 36.62 seconds on Exit Remo. With a decision to be made from jumps 1-2, Maher proved a direct 9 strides was achievable. Vogel, who had just enough time to watch Maher’s round during his warm-up, committed early and threw caution to the wind.
Speaking of his thought process approaching the first question in the Peter Grant built course, he said, “I saw Ben doing that and I thought my horse has a big stride, he is tiny but he has a big stride, a big heart and a big motivation too, so I thought if I have a good start I could get there with nine. My plan was to do one more to the white vertical, then bend it in order to be able to turn tight enough, which Cydello, my horse, did brilliantly.”
Zoe Conter and Sanne Thijssen gave it their best shot but early fences down ruled them out of the chance for a podium position. Germany’s Richard Vogel and Cydello then made what seemed impossible happen as he shaved half a second off Maher’s incredible fast time causing the rest of the field to risk it all.
After winning the first two 5* classes of the weekend Simon Delestre was on flying form and going for the full sweep. Up on the time but the last two fences fell with Olga van de Kruishoeve and the game was over. Last week’s LGCT Grand Prix winner of Miami Beach opted for a more steady pace on the huge striding O’ Balou van de Plataan and was too tight to the roll back force a rail and his opportunity of another win.
With Vogel watching on nervously from the kiss and cry Katrin Eckermann and Chao Lee looked up on the pace but an extra check to the last line meant they stopped the clock in 37.34s and had to to settle for third place.
Solid double clears from Gilles Thomas on Elfra van Beek Z, Thibeau Spits with Calvino II de Nyze Z and Daniel Deusser riding Otello de Guldenboom secured them all a top 5 finish but were off the space leaving just last to go Denis Lynch to challenage. With the pedal to the metal from the starting timer he gave it his all but two rails down with Cordial meant Richard Vogel emerged victorious to clinch the top honors and the lion’s share of the prize money.
As the Banorte €165,000 1.55m Jump-Off Class drew to a close, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation for the next day of the Longines Global Champions Tour. Tomorrow, all eyes will turn to the GCL of Mexico City, where top teams will battle it out for supremacy in another thrilling showcase of equestrian excellence.
The Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico City continues to captivate audiences with its world-class competition, breathtaking performances, and vibrant atmosphere. Stay tuned for more action-packed equestrian action as the championship unfolds in the heart of Mexico City.
Press release LGCT | Photo LGCT (c)
