Miami Beach Belongs to Eckermann Again in Third Longines Global Champions Tour Triumph

Katrin Eckermann cemented her legacy on the sands of Miami Beach, securing a historic third victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach - adding the 2026 title to her back-to-back wins in 2022 and 2023. Riding Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS, Eckermann once again proved untouchable at this iconic venue, earning her place as the undisputed Queen of Miami Beach.

Set against the electric backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the Longines Global Champions Tour returned to Miami Beach after a one-year hiatus, launching its milestone 20th anniversary season in spectacular style. With 55 of the world’s best riders descending on the beachfront arena, the stage was set for a season opener that reflected two decades of innovation, growth and game-changing sport.

Marking 20 years of pioneering excellence - the 2026 season begins as a powerful symbol of how the circuit has transformed show jumping. Expanding across four continents and bringing the sport to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, the Longines Global Champions Tour continues to redefine elite competition, blending top sport with lifestyle, hospitality and global reach.

And in Miami Beach, it was a familiar story at the top.

With a beaming smile, Katrin Eckermann said: “Welcome to Miami! This show is just incredible - to jump here next to the ocean, you can’t beat this backdrop. I am unbelievably proud of her, she jumped super. I didn’t have a chance to watch any of the riders before me, so I had to ride off my feeling. I knew it was quick, but I wasn’t sure if we had done enough. It’s certainly great to be here and get some sun outside of Germany.”

Stepping onto the LGCT podium for the first time Jack Whitaker explained: “It hasn’t sunk in yet, this is a big one for me - it feels amazing to be back up there. So proud of my mare. She is a bit inexperienced at this level, so I wasn’t sure how she would handle it. In the jump-off I took an outside turn to give her time, but it just shows her class that she was able to almost match Katrin’s time. The arena here is spectacular, with the waves and people from the beach coming up to check it out, so it’s a fun place to ride and spend the week. I won’t forget the LGCT Miami Beach for a long time!”

Piergiorgio Bucci then commented: “I am so proud of my horse today. I think it is just the first or second five-star Grand Prix he has jumped. I know how competitive he is and how I can always rely on him. Katrin was just unbeatable today - it was an incredible jump-off.”

Under the Miami sun, the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach unfolded as a true test of control, discipline and nerve. A technical track set by course designer Peter Grant immediately set the tone, with tight lines and delicate fences catching out even the most experienced combinations across the 37-rider start list.

From the outset, it was clear that nothing would come easily on the Miami sand. Riders were forced to balance ambition with accuracy, with several big names falling short of a clear despite strong, forward rounds. The course demanded careful riding rather than outright speed, and early penalties quickly underlined just how influential every stride would be.

As the class developed, tension built both in the arena and among the crowd lining the iconic beachfront venue. Clear rounds were hard-earned, yet emerging early in the class with first-to-go Zascha Nygaard hitting the rhythm straight away. Those who did find the answers did so with composure, setting up a tightly matched group of 13 riders for what promised to be a decisive jump-off.

And when it came, it delivered.

The jump-off opened at full intensity. Zascha Nygaard and Com'On Drako de Maugre came out attacking but paid the price, three fences down immediately highlighting the risk-reward nature of the shortened track.

Maikel van der Vleuten was first to steady the field, guiding Beauville Z N.O.P. to a composed clear in 46.85 seconds, laying down an early benchmark. Moments later, Piergiorgio Bucci sharpened every turn aboard Pallieter vd N.Ranch, stopping the clock in 46.06 seconds to take over the lead.

But the tone of the class shifted entirely with the arrival of Katrin Eckermann.

Already a two-time winner at this venue, she entered the arena with intent. Riding Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS, Eckermann delivered a round of absolute precision under pressure - tight to every line, efficient through every turn - stopping the clock in a blistering 44.15 seconds. Over two seconds faster than the leading time, it was a performance that immediately set her apart.

From that moment, the pressure intensified across the remaining field.

Abdel Said looked on pace with Wathnan Bonne Amie, but a costly rail in 45.01 seconds ended his challenge. Pieter Devos followed with a smooth clear aboard Primo DV in 46.96 seconds, but the time gap proved too great to recover.

Cian O’Connor kept the consistency coming with a neat clear on Kentucky TN in 46.53 seconds, slotting into contention without quite threatening the lead, while Zoe Hanks Conter saw her chances slip with a single rail down on La Una.

Then came the closest challenge of the class.

Jack Whitaker, riding Izara des Dames, took a bold outside turn - a calculated risk that paid off. Stopping the clock in 45.68 seconds, he surged into second place, coming closest to Eckermann’s time but still unable to close the gap.

Behind him, the pressure continued to take its toll. Ciaran Nallon suffered a run-out at the wall with Casalla Blue PS, while Jur Vrieling and Michael Pender both picked up single rails despite competitive times.

All eyes turned to the final combination, but two fences down for Derin Demirsoy confirmed the result.

With this victory, Katrin Eckermann takes an early lead in the 2026 Longines Global Champions Tour Championship standings, securing the maximum 40 points as the anniversary season gets underway.

With championship points now on the board and the leaderboard beginning to take shape, attention turns to the next stage of the global campaign.

The Longines Global Champions Tour now heads to Campo Marte for the Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico City from 16–19 April, where the battle for the 2026 title continues.