Press release from TSCHIO Aachen, edited by World of Showjumping

On Sunday, ten pairs reached the jump-off in the CSIYH1* Prize of Handwerk, the final for the 2026 Youngster Tour in Aachen. Ultimately, Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger and the 8-year-old mare Victory Music Z (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Elle van’T Ameldonk Z) claimed the victory ahead of two German pairs.

For a long time, it looked like Philipp Weishaupt’s round with his 8-year-old gelding Aberdeen Z (Aganix du Seigneur x Canturo) would be the winning one. As the first pair to go, they completed an immaculate round in the jump-off with the clock stopping at an impressive 46.30 seconds. Initially, only Rene Dittmer – riding his eight-year-old Holsteiner-bred Cajero 8 (Casall x Quo Vados) – almost managed to match this benchmark. They, too, jumped clear, crossing the finish line in 47.00 seconds – that sufficed for third place in the end.

Then, Janika Sprunger and her Zangersheide-mare, Victory Music Z, entered the main stadium, and the eight-year-old’s name proved to be a perfect reflection of her performance over the days at Aachen. Just yesterday, the pair had already triumphed in the second qualifier, and today, once again, everything came together seamlessly. With a time of 45.56 seconds, Sprunger and Victory Music Z secured the victory in the 2026 Youngster Tour Final.

“For us riders, it is a great privilege to be allowed to compete here in Aachen,” Sprunger said. “I have taken part here several times before, but the thrill and the goosebumps that this unique atmosphere evokes remain just as intense every single time. My horse worked magnificently with me, I am incredibly proud of her. Her attitude – always wanting to be at the top of the rankings and fight for me – is truly extraordinary. The progress she is making at the moment overwhelms me and makes me feel very confident for the future.”