Edited press release from Longines Global Champions Tour 

Katrin Eckermann (GER) delivered a breathtaking performance aboard the phenomenal Chao Lee (Comme Il Faut x Chacco-Blue) to capture the 49th edition of the prestigious CSI5* 1.50m Copa S.M. El Rey presented by Caser Grupo Helvetia, in a thrilling showdown at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid.

Set against the iconic backdrop of the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid’s sweeping grass arena, the historic class drew a stellar field of world-class talent, including past champions and fan favourites. 

Under the blazing Spanish sun, 14 elite combinations returned for the jump-off, serving up a heart-pounding contest that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Second to go, Eckermann and Chao Lee laid down a daring, precision-perfect round that stopped the clock 0.86 seconds ahead of closest challengers Gilles Thomas (BEL) and Luna van het Dennehof (Prince van de Wolfsakker x Quidam de Revel). Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Mandato van de Neerheide (Emerald x Pommeau du Heup) completed the podium as the only other pair to break the 40-second barrier.

After her win, Katrin spoke with Rosie Tapner, reflecting on her partnership with Chao Lee: “She’s an unbelievable horse, we couldn’t be more proud as a family to be the breeders - she is giving everything in every course… She loves big grass arena’s. She jumped amazing in Mexico City, here yesterday, and again today. And in front of this crowd? It’s truly amazing. It’s everything as a rider, it’s really something special when you canter into the ring and you have the crowd behind you.”