Alex Matz Rides to Runner-Up at Barcelona CSIO5*
Longines League of Nations™ Final 2025
October 22, 2025 at 11:37 AMBy b.wehner
Under the golden lights of the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, Alex Matz and his trusted partner Ikigai delivered a performance that turned heads across the show jumping world. In the Grand Prix of the City of Barcelona CSIO5*, Matz rode with focus and finesse to finish second, just shy of the top spot in a class packed with international stars.
Peak Form on a Demanding Track
The 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood, owned by 5 Star Partners, looked in peak form—forward, careful, and responsive to every cue. Together, horse and rider tackled Spanish course designer Santiago Varela’s challenging 1.60m track twice without touching a rail. Each round highlighted Matz’s growing experience on the world stage and the seamless partnership he’s built with Ikigai.
Setting the Stage for the Weekend
Friday’s result sets the tone for an electric weekend, with the Longines League of Nations Final set to unfold in the same iconic arena. For Matz, the podium finish is proof that he and Ikigai are ready to compete among the sport’s elite.
Photo by Leanjo
Related Articles
Laura Kraut and Bisquetta Triumph in the MLSJ Coachella Cup Grand Prix
U.S. Olympian Laura Kraut rode the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare Bisquetta to victory in the $750,000 1.60m FEI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix Saturday. It was her first Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) Grand Prix win. The pair were second in the jump-off order of go, putting on the pressure early. HERE for their round in the jump-off.
Jumping3 hours ago
Ilan Bluman on Acajou wins $120,000 CSI3* Grand Prix at Ocala
Ilan Bluman on Acajou won the $120,000 CSI3* Grand Prix at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida Saturday night.The Colombian rider and his 10-year-old mare led the jump off of 10 combinations to post a double clear of the 1.50-meter course in a time of 34.85 secs.This was the first international victory for the duo since a pair of wins in Ocala in February.
Jumping7 hours ago
Grace Griffin & Larinto VDR Race to the Top in the $7,500 1.20m Jr/Am Mini Prix
Junior and amateur riders brought the heat to the Standlee Sanctuary during Winter Classic 2, where fourteen competitors lined up for the $7,500 1.20m Junior/Amateur Mini Prix. With an immediate jump-off format in play, the class demanded accuracy, speed, and sharp decision-making from start to finish.
Jumping8 hours ago
Latest News
Laura Kraut and Bisquetta Triumph in the MLSJ Coachella Cup Grand Prix
U.S. Olympian Laura Kraut rode the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare Bisquetta to victory in the $750,000 1.60m FEI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix Saturday. It was her first Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) Grand Prix win. The pair were second in the jump-off order of go, putting on the pressure early. HERE for their round in the jump-off.
Jumping3 hours agoIlan Bluman on Acajou wins $120,000 CSI3* Grand Prix at Ocala
Ilan Bluman on Acajou won the $120,000 CSI3* Grand Prix at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida Saturday night.The Colombian rider and his 10-year-old mare led the jump off of 10 combinations to post a double clear of the 1.50-meter course in a time of 34.85 secs.This was the first international victory for the duo since a pair of wins in Ocala in February.
Jumping7 hours agoGrace Griffin & Larinto VDR Race to the Top in the $7,500 1.20m Jr/Am Mini Prix
Junior and amateur riders brought the heat to the Standlee Sanctuary during Winter Classic 2, where fourteen competitors lined up for the $7,500 1.20m Junior/Amateur Mini Prix. With an immediate jump-off format in play, the class demanded accuracy, speed, and sharp decision-making from start to finish.
Jumping8 hours ago