Katrin Eckermann Vienna became the headline of Saturday’s CSI5* 1.50m class at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Vienna as the German rider and Chao Lee produced a faultless jump-off in 36.42 seconds at Schönbrunn Palace. The class attracted 15 combinations for the decisive round after a demanding first round, with riders having to balance speed and accuracy around the shortened course. Eckermann delivered the fastest clear of the class to finish more than a second ahead of the nearest challenger.
Belgium’s Nathan Budd and Ely des Rosiers Z secured second place in 37.76 seconds, while fellow Belgian Gudrun Patteet and Baron – RR Z completed the podium in 37.89 seconds. Eckermann’s victory came at a significant venue for the German rider, with her family present and support from the Iron Dames team adding to the occasion. Her partnership with Chao Lee also provided an important part of the story, with Eckermann having known the horse for many years.
The opening round had already tested the field, with several combinations unable to reach the jump-off. Henrik von Eckermann retired with Hylanderhof’s Saruschka, while Olivier Philippaerts also called it a day with Ragazzo AV. Austria’s Max Kühner and EIC Quantum Robin had also been among the home contenders, but a rail down left them on four faults and outside the decisive round.
Katrin Eckermann Vienna Victory Takes Shape in the Jump-Off
Edwina Tops-Alexander and Cydello were first into the jump-off and established the initial clear in 42.48 seconds. Denis Lynch and Ping Pong van de Lentamel followed with another faultless effort in 42.73 seconds, while Peder Fredricson and Code Black completed their round in 43.06 seconds.
The pace increased when Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Kaleni Jo entered the arena. Hinners attacked the shortened track and produced a clear in 37.94 seconds, cutting almost five seconds from the previous leading time and significantly changing the complexion of the contest.
Eckermann then produced the decisive response. Riding Chao Lee with precision and speed, she found the inside lines and maintained a strong rhythm throughout the course. The pair crossed the finish in 36.42 seconds without touching a pole, immediately taking control of the class.
Several combinations attempted to challenge the new benchmark. Bianca Babanitz and Dakato finished on four faults in 41.17 seconds, while Katharina Rhomberg and Cuma 5 also incurred four faults despite stopping the clock in 36.96 seconds. Tom Wachman and Obora’s Laura collected eight faults in 37.88 seconds, leaving them outside the leading positions.
Budd then produced one of the strongest challenges of the evening. His clear with Ely des Rosiers Z in 37.76 seconds moved the Belgian combination into second place, but the time remained 1.34 seconds behind Eckermann. Patteet followed with another quick double clear aboard Baron – RR Z, stopping the clock in 37.89 seconds to secure third place.
Maikel van der Vleuten and Quastor vd Heffinck were unable to complete a clear round after both poles of the oxer fell, resulting in four faults in 42.54 seconds. The final challenge came from Ireland’s Ciaran Nalon and Christians Carado, who produced a composed double clear in 39.90 seconds to finish fifth.
Eckermann and Chao Lee therefore finished at the top of the standings, with Budd and Patteet completing the podium. Their 36.42-second clear proved decisive in a closely contested jump-off at Schönbrunn Palace.
Katrin Eckermann Vienna ended with Katrin Eckermann and Chao Lee winning the CSI5* 1.50m class in 36.42 seconds at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Vienna.
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