Text © World of Showjumping

World no. two Martin Fuchs has announced the retirement of Luigi Baleri’s 16-year-old stallion Chaplin (Verdi TN x Concorde – breeder G. Knoop), that now will be focusing on his breeding career. With Chaplin, Fuchs won the 2022 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany, as well as the CSI5* Longines FEI World Cup in Lyon in 2021, the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Madrid in 2019, Estoril in 2019 and Mexico City in 2017 and in addition numerous other five-star classes. During his career with Fuchs, Chaplin earned more than 1,1 million Euros in prize money.

"He was the coolest horse that I ever got to ride," Fuchs told World of Showjumping. "It was a unique feeling to know that he can win every Grand Prix. We have done some of the fastest jump-offs together. It's a beautiful way to end his sports career with the win at the World Cup Final. He has been breeding already for one season and has some very promising yearlings, so we are excited to see some of his offspring one day in the big sport. Thanks to Team Nijhof for doing such a good job with him and taking the best care of our champion!"

On his official Instagram account, Fuchs paid tribute to Chaplin, as well as his team, and wrote: "World Cup Champion Chaplin retires from the sport and joins Team Nijhof for breeding! Thank you my Chapi for the most amazing 7 years. World Cup Champion, World Cup Winner, 3 x Global Champions Tour GP winner, Nations Cup winner, Swiss Champion, to mention just some of his fabulous record. Chaplin jumped 13 5* Grand Prixs and placed in 12 of them. He has the best character and qualities. Scope, careful, fast and a heart like a lion. Forever grateful @luigi.baleri to make this partnership possible, @sean_vard for travelling the world with this superstar and whole Team Fuchs for their dedication throughout his career. Looking forward to seeing many outstanding Chaplin babies!" 

At World of Showjumping, we wish Chaplin a very happy retirement!