Weishaupt Wins Copa S.M. El Rey in Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid Speed Showdown

Speed was the name of the game in Madrid as Philipp Weishaupt stormed to victory in the historic 2026 Copa S.M. El Rey presented by Caser Grupo Helvetia, setting a time that simply couldn’t be caught aboard Chacquitos PS at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid.

Under the lights at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, the class quickly turned into a flat-out race against the clock, with riders forced to take risks if they wanted a shot at the win and to add their name into history. When it mattered most, Weishaupt delivered - slicing turns and committing to every line to stop the clock in 44.89 seconds, a time that put immediate pressure on the rest of the field.

The home crowd had plenty to cheer for as Eduardo Álvarez Aznar gave it everything aboard Genaro Paulois, pushing hard but ultimately settling just behind the leader in 45.63 seconds. Not far off the pace, 2025 LGCT Grand Prix of Rabat winner Anastasia Nielsen slotted into third with Esi Rocky, delivering a smooth and competitive round in 46.26 seconds.

The times stayed tight throughout the class, with Maximilian Weishaupt taking fourth on Kokomo B, while Olivier Philippaerts completed the top five aboard Miro, both riders proving how little margin there was for error on a track that rewarded bravery and punished hesitation.

A sold-out Club de Campo Villa de Madrid provided the ultimate backdrop, with a buzzing crowd creating one of the most electric atmospheres on the Tour. From the first rider to the final jump-off round, the energy was relentless - cheers echoing around the grass arena, every turn met with anticipation, and every clear greeted with roars from the stands. Madrid once again proved why it’s a fan favourite, blending world-class sport with an unbeatable vibe that lifted the riders and pushed the competition to another level.

Having only recently taken over the ride, Weishaupt explained how the horse’s confidence in the opening round gave him the belief to take on the track in the jump-off: “This is still quite a new partnership for me - I’ve only had him for a couple of months. He’s an incredible horse, and the way he jumped in the first round really gave me the confidence to take a few more risks today. Coming to the upright, I saw the stride and thought, ‘go for it, don’t be a chicken’ - and luckily it all came together.”

Competing in front of a packed home crowd added another dimension to the victory, with Weishaupt quick to acknowledge the atmosphere in Madrid, even after denying a Spanish rider the top spot: “I have to apologise a little to the Spanish fans for spoiling the party and finishing ahead of a home rider, but the crowd here is amazing. The atmosphere, the arena - everything about Madrid is special, and this is a very cool class to win.”

Adding a unique twist to the story, Weishaupt also spoke about the added pressure of competing against his younger brother, who would go on to finish fourth in the same class: “I was in after Max, and there were really only two options - either go quicker and have a rail, or go quicker and stay clear… just don’t be slower than him! Luckily, it worked out and the poles stayed up!”

Reflecting on the significance of the class itself, Weishaupt highlighted the prestige of lifting one of the sport’s most historic trophies, especially in such an iconic setting: “This King’s Cup is a very special class - I think it’s been running for around 60 years - so to add your name to that list is something really special. To do it here, in front of this crowd and in this arena, at such a traditional show in Madrid, makes it even better. It’s one of my favourite shows, and I’m really grateful to my horse. Now hopefully we can do it again tomorrow!”

Round one delivered immediate drama as the technical track of this historic class tested even the most experienced combinations. Clear rounds proved difficult to come by, with several big names falling short of a place in the jump-off. Among those unable to return were Denis Lynch, Simon Delestre and last years winner of this class Katrin Eckermann all just having a single rail down, while others elected to retire after costly mistakes on course as the pressure mounted like Bertram Allen and Jessica Mendoza. The demanding opening round underlined just how challenging the Madrid track rode as 8 made it through to the jump-off, with every rail and second proving decisive in the battle for a place against the clock.

How the jump-off played out:

First in, Nayel Nassar set the tone aboard Orphea HQ, giving it a real shot at the clock but catching an early rail, finishing on four faults. Next in, home hero Álvaro González de Zárate Fernandez with Casa Diva PS rolled the dice with a tight turn back to the Longines upright, but it didn’t quite come off, adding four faults to the board in a bold attempt.

Then came the first real benchmark - Maximilian Weishaupt delivered a neat, efficient clear aboard Kokomo B, setting the first faultless time and laying down a serious marker. That was quickly tested by Olivier Philippaerts, who produced a beautifully judged round on Miro, taking an incredibly tight turn to the penultimate vertical. Clear again - but just 0.34 seconds off the pace.

Pressure continued to build as Stephan de Freitas Barcha entered with Dinozo Imperio Egipcio. Flying early on the clock, it all unravelled at the double where he got too close, followed by a refusal at the penultimate fence, ending podium hopes.

Then came the moment - Philipp Weishaupt exploded into the ring with Chacquitos PS, up on the split by nearly two seconds. Committing to every line, he stopped the clock in a blistering 44.89s, taking a commanding lead.

The home crowd lifted as Eduardo Álvarez Aznar chased it down aboard Genaro Paulois. Flat out from start to finish, he gave everything, but slotted just behind - 0.74 seconds off. Last to go, all eyes turned to Anastasia Nielsen with Esi Rocky. Leaving nothing behind, she delivered a fast, clean round - but it was only enough for third, handing victory to Weishaupt in a thrilling Madrid finale.

With the speed class setting the tone and confidence running high across the field, all eyes now turn to the main event - the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Madrid. As the championship battle continues to intensify, the stakes will be even higher when the world’s best return to the iconic grass arena at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. With form revealed and momentum building, tomorrow promises a showdown where power and nerves of steel will decide who takes top honours in the Spanish capital.

Watch it all live on GCTV at 5pm local time.