Denmark Dominates Thrilling CSI5* Banorte 1.50m at LGCT of Mexico City
Mdmar – Mexico City – LGCT
Mexico City witnessed an electrifying display of world-class show jumping today as the CSI5* 1.50m Jump-Off, presented by Banorte, delivered a high-octane spectacle under the vibrant energy of packed grandstands. The atmosphere inside the stunning grass arena was nothing short of electric with top riders and elite equine athletes locked in a battle of speed, precision, and strategy.
In a turbo-charged display of horsepower, Denmark’s Zascha Nygaard Lill stormed to her first-ever LGCT victory, securing the lion’s share of the €105,500 prize purse aboard Com’on Stanley. The duo delivered a flawless performance, outpacing the competition to claim a momentous win.
Gilles Thomas and Luna van het Dennehof pushed the pace, finishing just 0.24 seconds behind to secure second place, while Jérôme Guery and Killer Queen rounded off the podium as the only other combination to clock a sub-38-second time on a clean sheet.
Speaking to GCTV, a beaming Zascha said: “I gave everything, tried to put it all together, and he was right there. I know he’s a fast horse and always strong in a jump-off, but there were a lot of good and quick riders to follow.
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“The atmosphere and the people here are amazing—I think this might be my new favourite show!”
Saturday’s course was set to challenge, with technical questions and plenty of jumping efforts, but the world-class field of 43 made it look effortless. Seventeen combinations earned their place in the jump-off, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale but Alejandro Mills opted to not come forward to round 2.
With the grandstands packed and the VIP hospitality buzzing with anticipation, the first rider entered the vast arena deep in the heart of this vibrant city, igniting a night of unforgettable sport. The jump-off proved to be a thrilling spectacle, with the world’s best riders leaving nothing to chance in their quest for victory.
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First out of the gate, Katrin Eckermann set an electric pace aboard Chao Lee but took a daring risk at the final fence, which ultimately cost her as the pole tumbled to the ground.
Gilles Thomas approached the jump-off with a more measured strategy, ensuring a double clear round aboard Luna van het Dennehof. He was 1.24 seconds down at the split time but crucially left all the fences intact, putting the pressure on those to follow.
Manuel Fernandez Saro and Dreamland suffered an unfortunate run, knocking the third fence and then encountering trouble at the double combination, which took them out of contention.
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Zoe Conter and Tombola Z looked to be on track for a commanding lead with a blistering pace. However, the lightest of touches at the wide oxer alongside VIP saw the front rail fall, dashing her hopes of a podium finish.
The turning point of the jump-off came when Zascha Nygaard Lill and the 10-year-old stallion Com’on Stanley entered the arena. Riding with precision and confidence, the Danish rider executed an immaculate round, shaving every possible second off the time to stop the clock at 37.52 seconds—enough to secure the lead.
Max Kühner, setting himself up for tomorrow’s LGCT Grand Prix of Mexico City, rode EIC Daloubet with his characteristic skill, but a more conservative approach saw him finish in 38.84 seconds, settling into fifth place.
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Hopes of a home victory soared when Fernando Martinez Sommer and High Five entered the arena to raucous applause. However, a heart-wrenching knockdown denied them the dream result.
Christian Ahlmann and Mandato van de Neerheide delivered a strong challenge, producing a clear in 38.48 seconds to place just outside the podium. The clear rounds kept coming as Jérôme Guery on Killer Queen, Katharina Rhomberg with Colestus Cambridge, Federico Fernandez riding Romeo and Jana Wargers onboard Like Arpeggio all came home on a clean sheet but couldn’t match the pace of the top three.
There was drama for Denis Lynch when a stop at the penultimate fence after trying to take it on an angle with King Blue caused him to drop out of the money. Mariano Martinez Bastida and Natalie Dean both finished on four faults with Origi van’t Geyzeven and Crescendo MB Z, respectively.
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So it was going to be a top leading lady win but could birthday girl Edwina Tops-Alexander push Zascha off top spot with Corelli de Mies? Giving it their all they pushed hard but an unlucky rail handed the win to Denmark in the electric showdown.
As the dust settles on today’s exhilarating competition, all eyes now turn to tomorrow’s ultimate individual challenge – the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Mexico City. Set to commence at 1pm local time, this prestigious showdown will see 40 of the world’s best riders vie for victory in one of the most anticipated stops on the tour. With championship points, podium glory, and a chance to etch their name in LGCT history on the line, the stage is set for an unmissable day of sport at its finest.
Stay tuned to Global Champions for all the latest updates and results as the excitement unfolds in Mexico City.
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The “Mdmar” website for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
