Spanish Showjumping Championships 2026: The Winners Share Their Stories
The 2026 Spanish Showjumping Championships came to a close on Sunday, 18 October, at Dehesa Montenmedio in Vejer de la Frontera, with nine national titles decided across the different categories. Held as part of the VI Andalucía October Tour, the competition brought together leading Spanish riders, with the final day crowning Imma Roquet Autonell as Absolute Champion, Álex Sagarduy Bengoa as Young Riders Champion and José Antonio García Diana as Classic 1.40m Champion.
Behind every medal was a different story of preparation, partnership and personal achievement. From Imma Roquet’s first competition with a new horse to Álex Sagarduy’s years of work towards his first national gold, the champions shared what made their victories special.
Imma Roquet Autonell: A First Competition Together, an Absolute Championship Title
Imma Roquet Autonell claimed the Spanish Absolute Showjumping Championship riding Nauwsika van de Pereboom, finishing with 13.11 points. The victory was particularly special because it came in their first competition together. Roquet had only started riding the 13-year-old mare the previous week, yet the pair quickly found their rhythm across the demanding 1.55m final.
“I’m very happy. This is my first competition with Nauwsika, and she’s a fantastic 13-year-old mare with plenty of experience. She made everything very easy for me from the beginning. I think we got to know each other a little better throughout the championship, but the feeling was always good.”
For Roquet, the gold medal marked a milestone in her career, fulfilling her ambition to win the Spanish senior title. She finished ahead of Laura Roquet, who took silver with Nina Puigroq on 16.01 points, while Kevin González de Zárate secured bronze with Djoural de Lizet on 17.62 points.
Looking ahead, Roquet is excited to discover what the partnership can achieve. “I’m super happy. This is my first gold medal at the Spanish Adult Championships, so it’s time to celebrate. I’d love to come back next year and compete in the four-star classes here.”
She also acknowledged that the mare’s future potential remains to be seen. “I don’t really know what her ceiling is yet. She has jumped up to 1.55m, and she’s 13, but I’ll see if we can make it to 1.60m together.”
Álex Sagarduy Bengoa: A First National Gold Built Over Years of Work
Álex Sagarduy Bengoa became Spanish Young Riders Champion with Classique des Loups after producing a double clear in the two rounds of the final. The pair finished the championship on 0.86 points, retaining the score they carried into the decisive day and becoming the only combination to complete both final rounds without penalties.
The result rewarded years of preparation, particularly after an injury to his mare prevented him from competing in the championship the previous year. Sagarduy had spent the season building confidence over 1.50m courses and strengthening his partnership with Classique des Loups.
“It’s been a very demanding championship, with a lot of effort every day. Above all, it’s about the work we’ve put in over all these years to prepare for this moment. But we’re here now, and everything has gone well.”
The young rider was quick to recognise the people who had helped him reach this point. His family, girlfriend and the team at Olona were central to his achievement, with Pello and Antonio among those he thanked for their daily support.
“Most importantly, it’s my family. There are also people who are like family to me, the ones I see every day, Pello, Antonio and the whole Olona team. They’re always there for me and have helped me so much. Thanks to them, I’m here and have been able to fight for this title.”
Patricia Astiz Cámara finished second with Carambola on 9.46 points, while Garazi Landeta Smith took bronze with Ermione du Val Jouen on 14.88 points. For Sagarduy, the gold represents his first Spanish Championship title and an important step forward in his career.
José Antonio García Diana: Marola Delivers Under Pressure
José Antonio García Diana and Marola P&M won the Spanish Classic Championship over 1.40m, finishing with just 0.33 points accumulated. The pair completed both rounds of the final without penalties, held over 1.45m, to secure the national title.
The nine-year-old mare, owned by Yeguada Valbanera, has enjoyed a strong season, progressing from 1.35m classes to ranking competitions at 1.45m and 1.50m. Her consistent performances gave García Diana confidence heading into the championship, and he believed they had the potential to fight for the title.
“Both rounds today were really tough. Marola rises to the occasion every day, just as she has shown throughout the whole year. I’m very happy with this victory.”
García Diana dedicated the win to his family, his girlfriend and the people who have supported the partnership throughout the season. He also highlighted the support of Armando and Teresa, the owners of Marola P&M, and Teresa’s encouragement from the other side of the arena.
“Teresa was on the other side of the arena, supporting me and telling me to stay calm, and we did it. Our plan worked out all week, and here we are.”
Luis Fernández Gil-Fournier finished second with Ordesa on 3.87 points, while Laura Roquet claimed bronze with Qori Puigroq on four points. García Diana’s victory capped a season of steady progress with Marola, whose performances have established her as a reliable partner in the bigger classes.
Cristina Ucelay Iturriza: A Championship Victory Dedicated to Her Sister
Cristina Ucelay Iturriza won the Spanish Classic Championship over 1.20m with Diamand du Breche. Her victory came after a technically demanding competition in which only a few combinations managed to finish the final without faults.
“I’ve just won the Spanish Classic Championship over 1.20m with Diamand du Breche. The courses were very technical, and we finished the final with very few clear rounds. Everything went well, and we won.”
For Ucelay, the result carried a special personal meaning. She competed with her sister Maya’s horse and dedicated the medal to her, recognising the trust behind their partnership.
“I dedicate it to my sister Maya because the horse I competed with is hers. This medal is definitely Maya’s.”
Her victory was a reminder of the importance of family support in the sport, with the championship title becoming a shared achievement between the two sisters.
Jesús A. Rueda Martínez: Preparing for the Next Challenge
Jesús A. Rueda Martínez won the Spanish Classic Championship over 1.10m with Onno. His focus at Montenmedio was also on assessing a relatively new partnership, as he had only had the horse for a few months and wanted to understand how they would perform together in competition.
“I’ve had this horse for a short time, and I had to decide whether to compete in the 1.10m or the 1.20m. I’ve tried him in a few 1.20m classes on isolated occasions, but I’ve only had him for a few months. What I wanted here was to see how he would go, because I’m preparing for the Veterans Championship, which is coming up soon in Seville.”
The championship therefore served as an important test ahead of his next target. For Rueda, the experience offered a chance to assess the horse’s progress and continue building confidence before the upcoming veteran competition.
Ricardo del Campo López-Crespo: Experience and Teamwork Bring the Title
Ricardo del Campo López-Crespo secured the Spanish Classic Championship over 1.30m with Ilton. His victory added another title to the nine decided during the week at Montenmedio, in a competition that tested the consistency of horse-and-rider combinations across several rounds.
Reflecting on the result, del Campo thanked the people who had supported him throughout the process.
“We’ve done it, I can’t believe it. I dedicate this victory mainly to my father, my wife, the whole team around me and my groom. To the riders who accompany me every day, and to everyone on my team.”
His words highlighted the collective effort behind a championship result, recognising the daily work of the people who contribute to a horse’s preparation and a rider’s performance.
Nine National Titles Decided at Montenmedio
The final day completed the distribution of nine Spanish national titles at Dehesa Montenmedio. Alongside the Absolute, Young Riders and Classic 1.40m championships, the earlier rounds had crowned champions in the Classic 1.30m, 1.20m and 1.10m categories, as well as the five-, six- and seven-year-old young horse championships.
The young horse categories also produced a notable result for Santiago Núñez Riva, who won gold and silver in the seven-year-old championship with Valquiria de Capellán and Valenza de Capellán. Javier Gutiérrez Rilo won the six-year-old title with Darko de Roanne JR, while Pello Elorduy Ibarzabal took the five-year-old championship with Elf Hatrix II Z.
The championships formed part of the VI Andalucía October Tour, with the national pony competition CSNP1 running alongside the main event and featuring ten classes.
For the winners, the week brought different milestones, from first national titles to the confirmation of promising partnerships. Their stories highlighted the preparation behind every round, the trust between horse and rider, and the people who make each achievement possible.
© Rights Reserved.
