Second qualifier German Jumping Derby 2026: Irishman Simpson wins, six Germans in the hunt

David Simpson has won the second qualifier for the German Show Jumping Derby. The 37-year-old Irishman came out on top on Friday afternoon with the eleven-year-old Pjotr van de Kruishoeve and was then delighted to receive a Harley-Davidson as the winner’s prize, which he demonstratively rode across the Derby arena. “The Harley-Davidson number was definitely fun,” said Simpson after the award ceremony. “But the derby course with Pyotr was even better.”

Second place went to Guy Williams from Great Britain, with Charles Hubert Chiche from Luxembourg in third. The two were separated by just one hundredth of a second. Fourth place went to 25-year-old Clara Blau.

Derby horses are particularly

Simpson pointed out that derby tests such as those in Hamburg or Hickstead were particularly demanding. He had already won the Derby in Hickstead three years ago with Pjotr. “A derby is never easy. You need a lot of preparation, a really good horse – and in the end, everything has to go right on the day itself,” explained the Irishman with a view to the 95th German Show Jumping Derby on Sunday.

Despite his second place, Guy Williams announced that he would be backing Gringo’s Legacy in the big derby. He finished fifth with the eleven-year-old mare last year. This time he completed the qualifier with Crumbgraft after Gringos Legacy had a fault. “Both are really good Derby horses,” said Williams.

Hunger!

Charles Hubert Chiche was also optimistic for Sunday after finishing third. The Luxembourger finished third on his Derby debut last year. “This year we are hungry for victory,” he explained.

Clara Blau also attracted a lot of attention. The 25-year-old remained clear with her 15-year-old Paul and once again presented herself in good form after recent strong results. “The wall doesn’t bother me at all,” said Blau. She described the rail barrier combination as a bigger challenge.

As in the previous year, four-time Derby winner André Thieme did not take part in the second qualifier in order to give his horse a rest for Sunday. Marvin Jüngel, winner in 2022 and 2024, also opted for restrained preparation and completed a clear round with Balou’s Erbin. The result: sixth place. Another combination from the group of favorites, Frederic Tillmann with DSP Comanche, finished ahead of him.

The 95th German Show Jumping Derby starts on Sunday at 2.25 pm. ZDF will broadcast the jumping from 3.30 to 5.15 pm.

Results second qualification German Jumping Derby 2026