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

Germany’s Katrin Eckermann cemented her legacy on the sands of Miami Beach, securing a historic third victory in the CSI5* 1.60m Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach - adding the 2026 title to her back-to-back wins in 2022 and 2023. Riding Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS (Diarado’s Boy x Chacco-Blue), Eckermann once again proved untouchable at this iconic venue.

Set against the electric backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the Longines Global Champions Tour returned to Miami Beach after a one-year hiatus, launching its milestone 20th anniversary season in spectacular style.

Under the Miami sun, the CSI5* 1.60m Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach unfolded as a true test of control, discipline and nerve. A technical track set by course designer Peter Grant immediately set the tone, with tight lines and delicate fences catching out even the most experienced combinations across the 36-rider start list.

From the outset, it was clear that nothing would come easily on the Miami sand. Riders were forced to balance ambition with accuracy, with several big names falling short of a clear despite strong, forward rounds. The course demanded careful riding rather than outright speed, and early penalties quickly underlined just how influential every stride would be.

Already a two-time winner at this venue, Eckermann entered the arena with intent for the jump-off between 13 horse-and-rider combinations. Riding Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS, Eckermann delivered a round of absolute precision under pressure - tight to every line, efficient through every turn - stopping the clock in a blistering 44.15 seconds. Over two seconds faster than the leading time, it was a performance that immediately set her apart.

Great Britain’s Jack Whitaker, riding Izara des Dames (Emerald x Calvaro F.C.), took a bold outside turn - a calculated risk that paid off. Stopping the clock in 45.68 seconds, he surged into second place, coming closest to Eckermann’s time but still unable to close the gap, while Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci on Pallieter vd N.Ranch (Cornet Obolensky x Toulon) slotted into third.

With a beaming smile, Katrin Eckermann said: “Welcome to Miami! This show is just incredible - to jump here next to the ocean, you can’t beat this backdrop. I am unbelievably proud of her, she jumped super. I didn’t have a chance to watch any of the riders before me, so I had to ride off my feeling. I knew it was quick, but I wasn’t sure if we had done enough. It’s certainly great to be here and get some sun outside of Germany.”

Stepping onto the LGCT podium for the first time, Jack Whitaker explained: “It hasn’t sunk in yet, this is a big one for me - it feels amazing to be back up there. So proud of my mare. She is a bit inexperienced at this level, so I wasn’t sure how she would handle it. In the jump-off I took an outside turn to give her time, but it just shows her class that she was able to almost match Katrin’s time. The arena here is spectacular, with the waves and people from the beach coming up to check it out, so it’s a fun place to ride and spend the week. I won’t forget the LGCT Miami Beach for a long time!”

The third placed Piergiorgio Bucci then commented: “I am so proud of my horse today. I think it is just the first or second five-star Grand Prix he has jumped. I know how competitive he is and how I can always rely on him. Katrin was just unbeatable today - it was an incredible jump-off.”