Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace glowed under the evening lights, its baroque splendor providing a stunning backdrop to a show jumping spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. Philipp Weishaupt and his nine-year-old mount, Kilmister, delivered a performance brimming with courage, precision, and sheer audacity, thrilling an arena packed with passionate fans. For a city steeped in history, this night became another chapter of sporting excellence.
“I am not just saying this because I won,” Weishaupt admitted, his voice betraying genuine emotion, “but this is by far one of the most incredible venues I’ve ever jumped — alongside Riesenbeck, of course. Being 1.2 seconds faster than Monaco and Harrie Smolders tonight… we know we did a pretty good job.”
The atmosphere at the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Vienna was electric from the first rider. Families, first-time spectators, and seasoned show jumping aficionados alike were swept into a narrative of tension, strategy, and heartbreak. Every round brought fresh drama, fence by fence, and the crowd followed each moment with bated breath.
Elite Field Sets the Stage
The competition drew a stellar field, including Harrie Smolders on the experienced Monaco, Ireland’s Bertram Allen with Qonquest de Rigo, and Spanish star Eduardo Alvarez Aznar on Legend. Each rider brought their unique style and strategy, with some aiming for calculated precision and others pushing the limits of speed. Yesterday’s winner, Martin Fuchs, returned with L&L Lorde, ready to defend his form, while Sweden’s Peder Fredricson promised his usual combination of smooth, calculated brilliance.
From the opening rounds, the course proved formidable. Early clear rounds by Bertram Allen and Qonquest de Rigo set a high standard, but a handful of time penalties and rails caught even the most experienced riders. Henrik von Eckermann and Jörne Sprehe fell victim to the unforgiving clock, narrowly missing out on the jump-off, while Victor Bettendorf made the wise decision to retire Gibbs Un Prince, preserving the young horse for future competitions.
Jump-Off Drama Lights Up Schönbrunn
The jump-off was a masterclass in strategy and nerve. Bertram Allen set the tone with a double-clear 42.31-second round, prompting gasps and applause. Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed pushed hard with Rocket Man, only to see a rail down and finish with 4 faults. Alvarez Aznar’s attempt on Legend ended similarly, as did Martin Fuchs’ bold rhythm with L&L Lorde. Katrin Eckermann and Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS impressed with a blistering 41.50 seconds but were undone by one fence. Hans-Dieter Dreher, aboard Vestmalle, recorded the fastest round at 40.49 seconds, but a single rail robbed him of the top prize.
Harrie Smolders, however, showcased why experience matters. At 16 years old, Monaco executed a flawless clear in 41.96 seconds, demonstrating the wisdom and composure of a seasoned campaigner. But the crowd’s anticipation reached fever pitch for one final performance: Philipp Weishaupt and Kilmister.
A Storybook Finish
Attacking every line with precision and taking daring turns with perfect judgment, Weishaupt and Kilmister crossed the finish in a breathtaking 40.85 seconds — a full second ahead of the nearest competitor. The arena erupted as champagne flowed and fans cheered, celebrating a combination that had defied expectation and delivered spectacle. Sweden’s Peder Fredricson and Alcapone claimed fourth place with a solid 42.43-second round, rounding out a thrilling jump-off.
Weishaupt’s victory also secured the coveted Golden Ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs, an event he eagerly anticipates. “Prague is my favourite week of the year without a doubt,” Weishaupt said. “Winning the GCL Super Cup in 2023 was the most emotional day in my sporting career, and I am thrilled to be back at the Super Grand Prix in 2025.”
Championship Context
In the overall Longines Global Champions Tour standings, Gilles Thomas retains the lead with 261 points despite skipping Vienna. Christian Kukuk has moved into second with 206 points, and Andreas Schou sits firmly in third with 182. Harrie Smolders and Maikel van der Vleuten round out the top five, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the season with just three events remaining.
As night fell over Vienna, the combination of elite athleticism, majestic scenery, and the palpable energy of the crowd made this Grand Prix more than a competition — it became theatre. History and modern sporting excellence merged, leaving fans and riders alike with memories of a night where every jump told a story, and Kilmister and Weishaupt wrote the final, unforgettable chapter.
Read more about this exciting victory at RaceBuzz.
