Christian Kukuk wins inaugural US Equestrian Open Final
Checker 47 shines in $750,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*
March 31, 2025 at 6:22 AMBy s.wilhelm
Christian Kukuk (GER) and his longtime partner Checker 47 (Comme Il Faut 5 x Come On) clinched victory in the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix CSI5*, the marquee event of the new US Equestrian Open Jumping Final. The pair topped an elite field of 40 riders in Wellington, Florida, thrilling a sold-out crowd with a 39.2-second jump-off performance.
Laura Kraut (USA) and Bisquetta (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek) were the top U.S. finishers, claiming second with a lightning-fast 39.49 seconds, while Ashlee Bond (ISR) and Donatello 141 (Diarado x Lamoureux I) rounded out the podium.
Eight riders reached the jump-off after a challenging course designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA), featuring top names like Jordan Coyle, Rodrigo Pessoa, and Bertram Allen. Among them, Kukuk and Checker delivered a masterclass in precision and speed to secure the win.
“It’s all about trust,” said Kukuk. “Checker and I have built a relationship over years. Tonight, he gave me everything.” The win was especially memorable, as Kukuk became a father just hours before the class.
The class marked the grand finale of the winter circuit at Wellington International and the first of three US Equestrian Open Finals, with Eventing and Dressage Finals to follow later this year.
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