This past Saturday, the 2026-edition of the Falsterbo Derby took place. The iconic class, whose history predates the Falsterbo Horse Show itself, once again delivered a spectacular display of courage and precision as 20 horse-and-rider combinations took on the derby track. The starting field featured several renowned derby riders, with multiple former Falsterbo Derby winners and seasoned specialists lining up for one of the sport's most traditional classes.
In the end, it was Switzerland's Martin Fuchs who came out on top with the 10-year-old mare Love de Vie (Grandorado T.N. x Vigo d'Arsouilles). Keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats, Fuchs entered the arena as the very last rider. Producing the fastest round in a jump-off of three, he secured his Falsterbo Derby title in dramatic fashion.
Sweden's Peder Fredricson, himself a previous Falsterbo Derby winner, finished second with the 9-year-old gelding Qurious HS (Comme Il Faut x Diamant de Semilly), while last year's winning combination, Belgium's Abdel Saïd and Wathnan Arpege du Ru (Apache d'Adriers x Quat'Sous), completed the podium in third. Fredricson and Saïd both delivered clear rounds early in the competition, riding back-to-back, before the crowd had to wait until the very last rider to learn who would join them in the jump-off.
In this photo special, we look back at one of Falsterbo Horse Show's most cherished traditions, where some of the sport's greatest names once again demonstrated exactly what makes this class so special.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping. No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.
Producing the fastest round in a jump-off of three, Martin Fuchs on Love de Vie secured his Falsterbo Derby title in dramatic fashion.
Fuchs claimed his first victory in the historic Falsterbo Derby.
Peder Fredricson, himself a previous Falsterbo Derby winner, finished second with the 9-year-old gelding Qurious HS.
Peder Fredricson is among the riders whose names are engraved on the prestigious Falsterbo Derby trophy, having claimed victory in the class with Catch Me Not S in 2018.
...as is Abdel Saïd, whose victory in last year's Derby made him one of the favourites to retain the title.
Luis Alejandro Plascencia O. (MEX) and Enzo BJX (Vigo Cece x Helios De La Cour II) had the honor of opening the class.
Despite Enzo's best efforts to clear it, the pair incurred a fault at the upright immediately after the hill—a fence that proved troublesome for many riders throughout the class.
Alberto Márquez Galobardes (ESP) and Coolboy (Come And Fly × Cellestial) were second to tackle the course, pictured here at the top of the hill.
The class featured several renowned Derby specialists, and the audience did not have to wait long to see one. Third into the arena were Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Easy Star de Talma (Quick Star × Opium de Talma), former Falsterbo Derby winners and back-to-back winners of the La Baule Derby in 2025 and 2026.
Their performance ultimately secured fourth place in the class.
Following Guerdat came one the most celebrated Derby riders: André Thieme (GER), a multiple winner of both the Falsterbo Derby and the Hamburg Derby, with Paule (Perigueux × Sir Shutterfly) - the gelding he partnered to victory in the 2025 Hamburg Derby.
Thieme and Paule looked on course for another strong Derby result, but a misunderstanding at the fence leading out of the arena left the pair outside the podium places this time around.
Linda Heed (SWE), former Falsterbo Derby winner, rode Laurien Van Orshof to a strong 7th place in the class.
The succession of Derby champions continued as 2018-winner Peder Fredricson and Qurious HS came into the arena.
Fredricson thrilled the crowd as he guided Qurious HS flawlessly through the challenging course.
...and as he delivered the first clear round of the class, the home crowd responded.
There was plenty of anticipation as defending champions Abdel Saïd and Wathnan Arpege du Ru entered the arena.
...and as the Belgian matched Fredricson's clear, it became certain that the class would be decided in a jump-off.
Amanda Eriksson (SWE) made her Derby debut in 2025 and returned this year with Hard Rock (Heartbeat × Dutch Capitol) to deliver a confident performance, with their only mistake coming at the third-last fence - ultimately securing a 8th place finish.
After two consecutive clear rounds, the audience had to wait longer for the next one. Tom Schellekens (NED) and Fiarabo (Diarado × Padinus) were one of several relatively new combinations on the Derby circuit, missing out on a place in the jump-off this time around.
Patricio Pasquel (MEX) and Gazelle SM (Orient Express x Caritano Z) also delivered a solid performance, with just 4 faults in the books and a 6th place to take home.
Jack Whitaker (GBR), one of the younger participants in the class, narrowly missed out on the placings with Skyfall OS.
Even seasoned Derby specialists had to give way to the technical demands of the course. Two-time Hickstead Derby winner Trevor Breen (IRL) produced a fast round with just a single mistake, a performance that ultimately earned him 5th place.
Ears pricked and ready for take-off: Adele K (Dylan N × Damino SD) looked eager to take on the Derby course with Jens Fredricson (SWE). Despite a determined effort, the crowd-favorite was unable to join his brother in the jump-off.
Fully focused: William Whitaker (GBR), another two-time Hickstead Derby winner, and Flamboyant III (Cardento × Niveau) mastered many of the course's most demanding fences with ease, but a rail at the Rolex-oxer ultimately denied them a place in the jump-off.
One of the youngest riders in the field paired with the the oldest horse on the course: at just 19, Emil Jönsson (SWE) took on the Derby with the experienced Golden Midnight (Goldmine × Maraton).
Hidden behind the fence: The current world number two, Germany's Richard Vogel and For Space (For Pleasure × Comte) looked every bit a strong contender to master the challenging Derby course.
As Martin Fuchs and Love de Vie entered the arena as the final combination, it looked as though the jump-off would be a head-to-head battle between Fredricson and Saïd.
However, fresh from their Derby victory in La Baule, the pair were determined to keep the competition alive until the very end.
...and delivering a flawless performance, Fuchs made sure to make the jump-off a three-way contest for victory.
First to go in the jump-off, Peder Fredricson set a formidable target, stopping the clock in 47.99.
Abdel Saïd gave it his all, but even his fast round fell short of the standard set by Fredricson.
Knowing only an all-out effort would be enough, Fuchs made his intensions clear from the very first fence.
That smile says it all - after a thrilling afternoon, Fuchs celebrated his first Falsterbo Derby victory.
Love de Vie and Fuchs' long-time groom Sean Vard.
Qurious HS rounded of the day surrounded by the people who know him best.
...as did Wathnan Arpege du Ru.
Then