Must Watch Moment Mexico City: Christian Ahlmann's Return to Campo Marte

In the thrilling world of show jumping, few narratives resonate as profoundly as that of resilience and determination. At the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Mexico City, Christian Ahlmann and his 10-year-old stallion, Dourkhan Hero Z, delivered a performance that epitomized these qualities. Achieving one of only four double clears in a field teeming with elite competitors, the duo secured an impressive fourth-place finish in the €720,000 Grand Prix. The event was ultimately won by Emanuele Camilli aboard Chacco's Girl.

Dourkhan Hero Z, sired by Sea Coast Don't Touch Tiji Hero out of the Zandor Z mare Zinka de Kalvarie Z, joined Ahlmann’s Zangersheide stable as a 3-year-old. He began international competition with Ahlmann as a 6-year-old in 2021 and made his 5* 160cm debut at the LGCT Grand Prix in London at just 9 years old in 2024. Since then, he has continued to impress on the global stage. His performance in Mexico City not only showcased his burgeoning talent but also underscored the depth of Ahlmann's partnership with him.

Speaking exclusively with GCTV after his fourth-place finish in Mexico City, Ahlmann remarked, “It was a great feeling with Dourkhan today. He jumped amazingly. He is one of the biggest talents in the stable, and it’s really nice to see how he is developing.”

On analyzing what has been coined as Mexico City’s must-watch moment, Ahlmann added, “We had a great first round, and also a great jump-off. We did very, very well—but to the last, I didn’t see the eight strides, so I did one extra.” With a sigh, he continued, “And that was one too many to win, or even have a chance at winning. But I am very happy with the horse.”

For an in-depth look at Ahlmann and Dourkhan Hero Z's performance in Mexico City, watch the 'Must Watch Moment' video linked below.

This achievement is particularly poignant given the challenges Ahlmann faced in the same arena just two years prior. In 2023, during the LGCT Mexico City event, Ahlmann experienced a harrowing fall that resulted in multiple fractures—a setback he described as the most significant of his career. Reflecting on the incident, Ahlmann recounted, "In Mexico, I was really confident to make it. My horse, Solid Gold Z, jumped clear until this fence. I remember the accident only in vivid flashes. When I reached the ground, I was thinking, 'Oh… that was it. Hopefully, we will survive.'"

He further recalled the immense pain and shock, noting, "It was unbelievable pain in my head, shoulders, and neck… When I saw my hand was not in the right place anymore, I was totally in shock." Remarkably, Solid Gold Z emerged unscathed from the incident.

Demonstrating unwavering resolve, Ahlmann made a triumphant return to competition just six weeks later, clinching victory at the LGCT Grand Prix in Paris 2023—a testament to his determined spirit and dedication to the sport.

To delve deeper into Ahlmann's inspiring journey of resilience, watch the 'Rising Above' series powered by Longines, featuring the episode 'Bouncing Back,' where he shares insights on overcoming life's most challenging periods.