Last to Go, First to Glory: Bettendorf Stuns in Longines Global Champions Tour of Riesenbeck
Mdmar – Riesenbeck – LGCT
Roared on by a packed grandstand and an atmosphere worthy of one of show jumping’s most iconic venues, the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riesenbeck delivered a spectacular afternoon of world-class sport, with victory decided by a breathtaking final round that had the crowd on the edge of their seats until the very last fence.
In a dramatic finale, Victor Bettendorf and Gibbs Un Prince produced a sensational last-to-go performance to snatch victory from the grasp of the home nation. Tthe Luxembourg rider overturned Daniel Deusser’s seemingly unbeatable target to claim his third Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win in unforgettable style. Despite delighting the German fans for much of the jump-off aboard Pepita van T Meulenhof BR, Deusser had to settle for second, while Christian Kukuk completed the podium with Checker 47, ensuring Germany still had plenty to celebrate on home soil.
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As the ninth stage of the 2026 championship, Riesenbeck once again showcased exactly why it has become one of the standout stops on the Tour. Against the backdrop of Ludger Beerbaum’s world-renowned equestrian centre, thousands of passionate spectators created an electric atmosphere as six elite combinations returned for a thrilling jump-off. Every stride was met with anticipation, every turn greeted with cheers, before Bettendorf’s fearless charge brought the stadium to its feet in a fitting climax to an unforgettable afternoon.
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Victor Bettendorf admitted he surprised even himself by taking the risk in the jump-off, explaining, “I knew the horse is a superstar, but honestly I didn’t think he was quite ready yet for a fast jump-off. After the first round I had such a good feeling that I thought, ‘Let’s give it a go.’ The worst case was still a podium, so I had nothing to lose.”
Full of praise for the host venue, Bettendorf reflected on what made the week so special, “This venue is incredible. It’s so horse-focused, the atmosphere is fantastic and the crowd has been amazing all week. The organisers have done a brilliant job. It’s been a pleasure to compete here and I really hope I’ll be back next year.”
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With victory also securing his place at the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Riyadh, Bettendorf said his immediate focus was on enjoying the moment before looking ahead. He said, “It’s fantastic to have already secured my place at the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Riyadh. I won it in 2024, so of course it’s a special event for me. Right now I’m just going to enjoy today’s victory, then we’ll make a plan for the rest of the season and make sure we have a horse ready for Riyadh.”
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Despite narrowly missing out on victory, second placed Daniel Deusser was delighted with both his performance and that of his mare. He said, “Of course, when you’re in the jump-off you always want to win, but Victor was simply faster today. I’m incredibly happy with my horse – she was fantastic here all weekend and came into this class in great form after last week as well. I was first to go in the jump-off, and I honestly felt I’d produced a nearly perfect round. Sometimes that’s the challenge of going early; the riders behind know exactly what they have to beat and can take a little more risk. That’s our sport!”
Reflecting on an emotional homecoming, third placed Christian Kukuk said: “Of course I would have loved to be standing in the middle today, but honestly I’m incredibly happy with third place. More than anything, I’m proud of Checker. The way he jumped yesterday, today and again in that jump-off was outstanding, especially after the pressure coming into this week. I think we answered a lot of questions in the ring. Coming back to Riesenbeck for the first time since it was no longer my home has been very emotional. As soon as I arrived it still felt like home, seeing Ludger, the whole team and so many familiar faces again. It’s been a special weekend, and Checker gave us every reason to celebrate tonight.”
Championship Standings after Riesenbeck
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1. Abdel Saïd (BEL) – 187 points
2. Max Kühner (AUT) – 159 points
3. Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) – 138.67 points
4. Katrin Eckermann (GER) – 138 points
5. Zoe Hank Conter (BEL) – 134.1 points
6. Gilles Thomas (BEL) – 122.67 points
7. Cian O’Connor (IRL) – 122 points
8. Christian Ahlmann (GER) – 120 points
9. Simon Delestre (FRA) – 118.67 points
10. Michael Pender (IRL) – 117 points
The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riesenbeck delivered exactly the level of quality expected from one of the most anticipated classes of the season, with six riders producing immaculate clear rounds to guarantee a place in the jump-off after an exacting first-round test.
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Leading the elite group of clears into the decisive jump-off were 16th to go Henrik von Eckermann aboard Minute Man, Daniel Deusser with Pepita van T Meulenhof BR, Denis Lynch and Cordial, Christian Kukuk partnering the experienced Checker 47, Gilles Thomas aboard Ermitage Kalone, and Victor Bettendorf with Gibbs Un Prince.
A rail proved costly for a host of championship contenders who nevertheless remain well within touching distance if the jump-off riders fault. Laura Kraut and Baloutinue were the quickest of the four-faulters in 76.45 seconds, while Scott Brash and Hello Folie, Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames My Prins, Yuri Mansur aboard QH Alfons Santo Antonio, Christian Ahlmann, Abdel Saïd, Harrie Smolders, Marcus Ehning, Cian O’Connor and Niels Bruynseels all picked up a single rail to finish on four faults.
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Elsewhere, several fancied combinations saw their hopes disappear with multiple mistakes, including Bertram Allen, Nayel Nassar, Nicola Philippaerts and Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, while retirements for Jack Whitaker with Jack JL, Sanne Thijssen, Zascha Nygaard and several others ended their challenge before the finish.
How the jump-off played out…
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Reigning LGCT Champion Gilles Thomas aboard Ermitage Kalone elected to withdraw before the jump-off got underway, leaving the remaining five combinations to battle it out. His decision meant he would ultimately finish sixth, opening the door for the rest of the field.
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Henrik von Eckermann was first into the arena with Minute Man, setting the benchmark with a polished and confident clear. The pair never looked under pressure, producing a smooth, measured round in 39.18 seconds that laid down the first target, although there was a sense more time could be found.
The home crowd erupted when Daniel Deusser and Pepita van T Meulenhof BR immediately raised the intensity. Already 2.75 seconds ahead at the halfway split, the home favourite attacked every turn and sliced an incredible 5.49 seconds off von Eckermann’s time. Crossing the line in a blistering 33.69 seconds, Deusser rocketed into the lead and suddenly looked very difficult to catch.
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Next to challenge was home hero Christian Kukuk aboard Checker 47. Trailing by 0.43 seconds at the split, Kukuk kept the pressure firmly on, but despite another immaculate clear he stopped the clock in 34.17 seconds – just 0.48 seconds slower than Deusser – to slot into second with two riders still to come.
On form Denis Lynch and Cordial were next to try their luck and pick up a second podium of the season. Sitting 0.77 seconds behind at the halfway stage, Lynch couldn’t quite match the relentless pace set by the leader. His faultless round in 35.07 seconds was still good enough to move into provisional third and keep the podium within reach.
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Everything came down to the final combination as Victor Bettendorf entered the arena aboard Gibbs Un Prince. Just 0.20 seconds adrift at the halfway split, the Luxembourger produced a breathtaking finish, attacking the final line with absolute commitment. He surged home in 32.72 seconds, a remarkable 0.97 seconds faster than Deusser, sparking huge celebrations from the Riesenbeck crowd as he snatched victory in spectacular fashion picking up this third LGCT Grand Prix win.
With Riesenbeck now complete, the championship heads to one of its most iconic destinations as the Longines Global Champions Tour arrives in London at the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea from 7–9 August. As the race for the 2026 title intensifies, every championship point becomes increasingly valuable and the battle for the championship promises another thrilling chapter against one of the sport’s most spectacular backdrops in the Capital City.
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The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 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.
