Richard Vogel Shines with Gangster Montdesir in the Fidelity Investments® CSI5* Grand Prix

Under the glittering lights of Saturday Night Lights at Wellington International, spectators were treated to a world-class showcase in the $500,000 Fidelity Investments® CSI5* Grand Prix, one of the headline events of the opening week of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

Claiming a brilliant victory was Germany’s Richard Vogel, currently ranked World No. 6, aboard the exciting young stallion Gangster Montdesir, stopping the jump-off clock at 42.65 seconds to secure the win by just three-tenths of a second.

A Rising Partnership

Gangster Montdesir, a 10-year-old Selle Français stallion (Kannan x Cornet Obolensky) owned by Karlswood Partners, continues to establish himself as one of the most promising horses on the international circuit. Following a five-star Grand Prix victory in Lyon last October, he added another prestigious success to his résumé, confirming both his talent and consistency at the highest level.

“He’s a very exciting addition to my string,” Vogel said. “He arrived last September, and right away I had a fantastic feeling with him. From the first show he always wanted to do a good job. I couldn’t ask for anything more than how he jumped tonight and how he fought for us.”

The demanding course, designed by Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA), required precision, pace, and careful decision-making. Vogel opted for a flowing, forward jump-off round, favoring rhythm and gallop rather than overly tight turns.

“I could stay on the gallop, and I think that’s what saved me,” Vogel explained. “I didn’t have the tightest turns, but I kept the flow everywhere to stay in rhythm.”

A Star-Studded Podium

Second place went to British Olympic champion Ben Maher with Enjeu de Grisien, while third place was claimed by rising French talent Nina Mallevaey, completing a podium featuring three riders from the world’s top ten.

Behind the scenes, Vogel’s groom Geraldine Baden received the Double H Farm Grooms Award and a $500 prize in recognition of her exceptional care and preparation of Gangster Montdesir.

Looking Ahead

Vogel has now contested four CSI5* Grand Prix classes with Gangster Montdesir, delivering four clear rounds—an impressive statistic that highlights the strength of their partnership.

“When you have such a talented horse stepping up so quickly, you must find the right balance,” Vogel said. “We want nights like this, but we never want to over-face him. He’s still green at this level, but he feels highly motivated and very game. We have big hopes for him.”

With this commanding victory, Richard Vogel sends a clear message at the start of WEF 2026: a new star partnership has arrived, and it is ready to contend at the very top of the sport.

Photo Credits: ©Sportfot

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