Kukuk Claims Victory in Show Jumping Event

A competitive event unfolded as 37 leading show jumping riders tackled a challenging course set by Alan Wade in the WEC Grand Arena:

Nine competitors achieved clear rounds to advance to the jump-off, where six maintained their clear performances. The first rider in the jump-off, Kukuk, set a fast pace with a clear time of 40.61 seconds aboard his mount, Just Be Gentle, a Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Ludger Beerbaum Stables.

Kukuk expressed satisfaction with his win, attributing part of his success to a bit of luck and the capabilities of his horse, whom he describes as naturally fast.

Following closely behind was Cian O’Connor, riding Iron Man, who finished in 40.81 seconds. O’Connor reflected positively on his performance, acknowledging Kukuk's elite status as an Olympic champion.

Rising talents Nina Mallevaey of France and Mimi Gochman of the United States also made strong showings, with Mallevaey taking third place with a time of 41.14 seconds and Gochman fourth at 41.20 seconds. World number one Henrik von Eckermann rounded out the top five with a time of 42.22 seconds on King Edward.