44 pairs were able to recommend themselves for the start in the Grand Prix with prize money of 1.5 million euros. Two rounds and a jump-off separated them from the jackpot. However, a large number of them pulled out early. A total of 14 pairs gave up (11) or were eliminated (3).

Germany’s performance in the jump-off

Christian Ahlmann and his hope for the future Untouched LB and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann in the saddle on Cascais were different. The two were among the nine pairs who jumped clear twice directly into the jump-off. With a fast time, but two faults, Meyer-Zimmermann and her eleven-year-old Colestus son catapulted out of the race. So no repeat success for the rider from Schleswig-Holstein, who was victorious in Doha in 2025.

Things went better for Christian Ahlmann and Untouched. The ten-year-old Westphalian, who cannot deny his sire’s appearance, jumped wonderfully and crossed the finish line after 39.24 seconds. But Pieter Devos and his European team champion Casual DV Z were a touch faster: 39.20 seconds.

Victory to Saudi Arabia

Only two pairs were able to challenge their success, both from Saudi Arabia: Khaled Al Motby on the eleven-year-old Zangersheide mare Diana du Plevau Z and Abdullah Alsharbatly with Diriyah, formerly known as Dubai du Cedre.

Almotby and his mare gave their all and the joy was great, both for the rider and in the stands, when the pair took the lead with a clear 37.45 seconds.

That left Abdullah Alsharbatly and the now 13-year-old Selle Français mare Diriyah, who Julien Epaillard had ridden to individual bronze at the 2023 European Championships and team bronze at the 2024 Olympics. She then rode for a while under Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann before moving to Saudi Arabia in October 2025. The Baloubet du Rouet daughter has always been a bundle of energy. Today she seemed stressed, sweated profusely and could hardly be contained. As a result, the pair’s performances were not exactly an artistic delight – the agitated mare, the restless rider in the saddle, who repeatedly had to make a lot of effort to get Diriyah halfway to the jumps. But they were still fast: 36.29 seconds. That meant victory for Alsharbatly ahead of his compatriot Almotby and Pieter Devos.

Further results

Christian Ahlmann ultimately finished fourth, while Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann took ninth place. Christopher Kläsener, who won his first five-star show jumping competition in Doha a few days ago, delivered the fastest four-fault round in the first round with his then winner Popeye vd Bisschop. This meant they were “one out” of the placings.

Philipp Weishaupt and Oreo D.R. collected twelve penalty points. Hans-Dieter Dreher and Elysium scored 16.

Incidentally, Jana Wargers’ Dorette also competed in Doha, but not with her actual rider, who is taking a break due to her pregnancy, but with her replacement in the saddle, Marlon Zanotelli. The pair had one down in the first round.

You can find all the results here.