A field of 49 horse‑and‑rider combinations representing 16 nations lit up the Palexpo on Thursday evening for the Trophée de Genève, the first major test of CHI Geneva 2025’s four‑day program. The line-up featured world number one Kent Farrington, German rider Sophie Hinners, rising Swiss talent Gaëtan Joliat, and Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender and world number two Scott Brash, alongside several of the sport’s top-ranked riders and past Major winners. Tackling Gérard Lachat’s technical track in one of the arena’s most atmospheric rings, seasoned campaigners and promising young horses set the stage for a thrilling opening feature ahead of Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix.
At the halfway mark, just a handful of combinations had mastered Lachat’s 13‑obstacle course to progress to the jump-off. Early leaders included Brash, Austria’s Max Kühner, and Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, each delivering fault-free rounds with pace and composure, setting the tone for an exciting finale.
As the class continued, six more riders joined them to make a total of nine advancing to the jump-off: Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, Sweden’s Peder Fredricson, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts, Swiss rising talent Edouard Schmitz, and Great Britain’s Donald Whitaker. All produced clear rounds, setting up a jump-off where speed, precision, and nerves of steel would decide the evening’s winner.
Despite flawless double-clear rounds from Max Kühner, Cian O’Connor, and Christian Ahlmann, it was ultimately Donald Whitaker and his grey mare Millfield Colette who claimed victory, crossing the line in 45.15 seconds – over a second and a half faster than Ahlmann. Thrilled with the win, Whitaker celebrated with an emphatic punch of the air.
Results here.
Notes:
Canada’s Lea Rucker is competing in the U25 division at CHI Geneva, and on Friday morning placed 7th in the Coupe Range Rover aboard Barcelona.
Olympic eventer Michael Jung (GER) won the Prix Swiss Wine Genève CSI5* 1.45m Two Phase class on Thursday riding Fischer Duopower.
Show highlights include the Rolex Top 10 Final on Friday night, and the €2.4 million Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday.
Watch the livestream HERE.
Full results HERE.
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