Press release from Longines Global Champions Tour, edited by World of Showjumping

The Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico burst into life in spectacular fashion as the first CSI5* class - the 1.45m opener presented by the Qatar–Mexico Year of Culture - set the tone for an unforgettable week of sport, culture and competition at the iconic Campo Marte.

As the much-anticipated curtain raiser, all eyes were on the sprawling grass arena, where a world-class field of 54 horse-and-rider combinations took centre stage against the vibrant backdrop of Mexico City. Set within the heart of Chapultepec Park, the venue delivered its signature atmosphere from the outset - packed grandstands, electric energy and a crowd that knows and loves the sport.

At the top of the leaderboard, it was Belgium’s Jérôme Guéry who laid down an early marker for the week, storming to victory with Careca LS Elite (Carusso LS La Silla x Rebozo La Silla) in a time of 29.18 seconds - a benchmark that ultimately proved untouchable.

Speaking after his win, Guéry reflected on a flying start to the week. “Its always fantastic to start the show with a win,” he said. “Mexico is one of our favourite events of the year, the horses are feeling great and this arena is incredible! It was super competitive all the way through the class, and I wasn't sure we could hold onto the top place, particularly with Cian being last to go." 

Designed by Anderson Lima (MEX), the course made full use of the expansive grass arena, striking a careful balance between invitation and intensity. His flowing track encouraged bold riding and fast turns, creating a class that was relentlessly competitive from start to finish.

Guéry’s advantage held firm under immense pressure, with Ireland’s Cian O’Connor delivering a thrilling final round aboard 10-year-old Genghis Khan (Kannan x Diamant de Semilly). Last to go, he stopped the clock at 29.92 seconds - just short of the leading time in a dramatic finish.

Among the podium contenders, Jordan Coyle (IRL) on King Kannan GP (Kannan x Warrant) in third place and Derin Demirsoy (TUR) with Que Cera van't Ruytershof (By Cera d’Ick x Diamant de Semilly) finishing in fourth, delivered strong performances to stay within striking distance, while Simon Delestre (FRA) and Olga van de Kruishoeve (El Torreo de Muze x Nabab de Reve) - a previous winner of this class - rounded out the top five placings in 30.82 seconds.