RICHARD VOGEL & UNITED TOUCH CROWNED EUROPEAN SHOWJUMPING CHAMPIONS IN A CORUNA
The German rider secured victory with the lowest score in the past 20 years at a European Championship. Scott Brash took Silver, while Gilles Thomas earned Bronze.
Sunday in A Coruña provided an unforgettable experience for equestrian fans, especially for the thousands gathered at the Casas Novas Equestrian Center to witness the Individual Final of the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship.
The packed stands at Casas Novas, one of the world’s premier outdoor arenas, reflected the high stakes and widespread enthusiasm for the event. Twenty-five riders waited in anticipation each chasing the same dream; gold medal glory.
The first round of the grand final commenced at 14:00, featuring fences set at 1.60 meters. Only 12 riders advanced to the second and decisive round. And after a series of exhilarating rounds that kept the crowd on their feet, the qualifiers were Richard Vogel, Scott Brash, Gilles Thomas, Ben Maher, Seamus Hughes Kennedy, Sophie Hinners, Darragh Kenny, Kim Emmen, Jessica Mendoza, Thibeau Spits, Donald Whitaker, and Steve Guerdat.
Among these, one combination stood out; Richard Vogel and United Touch S. They had been leading the standings since the competition's outset, and their performance consistently demonstrated mastery.
Vogel delivered a near-flawless performance from start to finish. As the final round approached, his dominance became undeniable. The last to go in, he and United Touch S delivered an electrifying performance, thrilling the audience with every jump. Vogel clinched the championship with just 0.01 penalty points, the lowest score recorded in the last two decades of the European Championships.
This exceptional achievement earned Germany its 16th individual gold medal in European Championship history. Vogel and United Touch S exemplified harmony, precision, and confidence throughout the competition.
Silver Medal for Great Britian’s Scott Brash and a Spectacular Finale:
Scott Brash secured the silver medal on his Hello Folie, a horse with whom he has already achieved four Grand Prix victories in 2025. Throughout the event, Brash delivered a series of outstanding performances, showcasing some of the most spectacular jumps seen at Casas Novas.
Finishing with a final score of 1.08, Brash achieved a podium position he had targeted since entering the arena in A Coruña. His performance also reaffirmed Hello Folie’s exceptional consistency.
Bronze for Gilles Thomas and Belgium’s Continued Success:
Gilles Thomas claimed bronze, adding to Belgium’s impressive medal tally. His strong individual performance - scoring 1.37 points with Ermitage Kalone, a top-ranked horse and Belgian Champion in 2023 - capped a week of notable achievements, including Team gold.
Thomas demonstrated remarkable form competing in 25 5* 1.60m events over the past year with a 60% clear-round rate. Belgium’s fifth individual European medal underscores its consistent prominence in the sport, although the elusive gold continues to be just out of reach.
Celebrating the Event and Its Legacy:
The third edition of the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship in Spain coincided with Casas Novas’ 25th anniversary. The week was filled with world-class jumping, excitement, and entertainment for spectators of all ages. It showcased the sport’s top talent and highlighted the dominance of Germany, Belgium, and Great Britain in both team and individual categories.
--ENDS--
Edited by HT
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