Equestrian Elite: The Horses Set to Electrify Madrid

From 16–18 May, the Longines Global Champions Tour returns to the iconic Club de Campo Villa de Madrid for Stage 4 of the 2025 championship. As the sun sets over the Spanish capital, a world-class cast of horses and riders will battle it out for glory - and all eyes are on the equine athletes powering the sport’s biggest stars.

These horses aren’t just contenders - they’re champions, legends, and rising stars ready to make headlines once again.

Champions Returning for Glory

Back to defend their crown are Christian Kukuk and Checker 47, the dynamic duo who triumphed in Madrid last year. Checker has become one of the most talked-about horses on the circuit, and the pressure is on to deliver a repeat performance.

Christian Ahlmann brings a formidable string to Madrid, including Mandato van de Neerheide, winner of the LGCT Grand Prix of Paris in 2023, and Dourkhan Hero Z, who narrowly missed the podium in Mexico City earlier this season.

Other previous LGCT Grand Prix winners in the field include:

• Luna van het Dennehof, Gilles Thomas’ superstar mare, who won Shanghai in 2024 and placed second this year.
• Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW, a force of nature under Katrin Eckermann, with back-to-back Miami Beach wins in 2022 and 2023.
• Chacco’s Girlstar, who carried Emanuele Camilli to a sensational win in Mexico City just weeks ago.
• Bonne Amie, Abdel Said’s powerful mount, winner in Doha two years running.
• Dexter de Kerglenn, Jeanne Sadran’s breakout partner and victor in Paris 2024.
• Con Quidam RB, a proven winner with Sanne Thijssen, including Madrid glory in 2023.

A Legendary Farewell

There won’t be a dry eye in the house as Rockfeller de Pleville Bois Margot makes his final appearance. The legendary gelding will retire this weekend after a storied career with Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, which included a headline-grabbing win in the 2024 LGCT Grand Prix of Rabat. Fittingly, his swansong will unfold on home soil in front of an adoring Madrid crowd.

On the Rise

Watch for the rising talents and proven performers looking to break through in Madrid:
 

• Mila, now partnered with Nadja Peter Steiner, continues her consistent form after a top five finish in Shanghai.
• Great Britain V, who brought Jérôme Guéry to the podium in Mexico City.
• Napoli vh Nederassenthof, Andreas Schou’s big striging partner who thrilled fans with a bold performance in Shanghai.
• O’Bailey vh Brouwershof N.O.P., Iliana, Casual DV Z, Dexter Fontenis Z, Le Coultre de Muze, and Coolio 42 - each with the power, scope, and speed to shake up the leaderboard.

Where the Future Meets the Fierce

Gilles Thomas returns with Ermitage Kalone, the young talent who made his 1.60m debut at LGCT Madrid in 2024 and has never looked back. One year on, Madrid may be where another chapter in their rise is written.

Live on GCTV: Experience every moment from Madrid with the best seat in show jumping. Tune in live on GCTV for expert commentary, exclusive rider interviews, and behind-the-scenes access all weekend long. Don’t miss a moment as the world’s best riders and horses battle it out in one of the most iconic stops on the tour - live from Madrid!