The names of 49 partnerships appeared on the starting list for the first qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix, the traditional feature event of the CHIO Aachen on Sunday, and the line-up could scarcely have been more impressive: 28 riders ranked among the top 30 in the current world rankings, accompanied by international superstars such as five-time Major winner Martin Fuchs (SUI), World Champion Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), as well as previous German winners of the Aachen Grand Prix such as Marcus Ehning, Janne-Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, Gerrit Nieberg and André Thieme. A field of such depth and quality explains why the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen is considered the ultimate international benchmark in show jumping.
Ultimately, it was the Irish flag that flew over the Aachen Main Stadium under a brilliant blue sky. Daniel Coyle managed to keep the world elite at bay aboard his Dutch-bred gelding Farrel. At the end of his clear round, the clock stopped at 70.99 seconds, a time that no other combination could beat. “Fantastic, simply fantastic,” declared the 31-year-old rider after the prize-giving ceremony, adding with a smile regarding the coming days: “It can carry on like this.” Luciana Diniz (BRA) came closest to his time with Vertigo du Desert (0/71.47), followed by the Frenchman Kevin Staut and Feline de Hus HDC (0/71.57).
However, it wasn't just the top three that left a strong impression ahead of Sunday's big finale, the Rolex Grand Prix. Checker 47, Olympic champion with Christian Kukuk, also left the arena after completing a flawless performance, as did DSP Chakaria, winner of the 2024 Aachen Rolex Grand Prix with André Thieme, and Greya, recent World Cup winner alongside Kent Farrington (USA). Conclusion: the big stars are arriving in top form.
Hours earlier, in the Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia, won by the Frenchman Julien Epaillard with his chestnut gelding Easy Up de Grandry, another superstar began to show its hand in the atmosphere of CHIO Aachen: United Touch S. The magnificent 14-year-old Westphalian stallion completed a carefully measured preparatory round alongside Richard Vogel, the current contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping at the Aachen Soers, leaving a very convincing impression. Focused and seemingly effortlessly, the powerful chestnut stallion made it clear that he still has a lot to offer throughout the competition.
However, United Touch S was not the only horse that appeared to arrive in great form. Horses like Hello Jefferson, ridden by Briton Scott Brash, and Leone Jei, with whom Martin Fuchs (SUI) won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen in 2025, delivered solid performances and showed they are ready for the upcoming challenges. Excitement is guaranteed over the coming days in Aachen: the international show jumping elite is now ready to swing into action.
And by that very afternoon at the latest, Richard Vogel already knew what it feels like to lead the lap of honour at CHIO Aachen 2026. In the first class of the Youngster Tour, the 29-year-old rider took the victory with United Call JPS, a descendant of United Touch S, sending out a clear message right from the start. A result that also pleased Birgit Rosenberg. “Today we saw fantastic competitions and great winners,” noted the ALRV board member. “The fine weather also contributed to creating a wonderful atmosphere on the grounds. All in all, it was a very successful start to the show.”.
