Doha, Qatar – March 04, 2023 – To say that Ludger Beerbaum (GER) had a week of ups and downs is an understatement, in fact, more of down and ups for the all-time great during the Longines Global Champions Tour of Doha CSI 5*. Whether on the sidelines or in the irons on one of his high-flying beasts, and along with teamates Philipp Weishaupt (GER) and Christian Kukuk, Beerbaum looked forward to contributing to the Riesenbeck International‘s team first ever competition in the Global Champions League (GCL), held last week at the Qatari capital.
Unfortunately, things didn’t start the way the had planned for the team because of their leader. Ludger’s horse, Christians Carado stumbled, and the legend fell off the gelding. Even the state-of-the-art shock-absorbing surface of the modern Al Shaqab was not enough to keep him from sustaining a fracture of the thigh. As a result, a small surgery was necessary to stabilize it through the insertion of a plate and screw.
While he was in the hospital about to undergo surgery, his “boys” were all business. The medical procedure was a success and so were his two teammates competing in the opening leg of the “Formula 1″ of showjumping”. It seems that Philipp Weishaupt (GER) and Christian Kukuk (GER) were not psychologically affected by the misfortune of their friend, teammate and boss. On the contrary, more than ever, they were focused on producing good results. Actually, they exceeded that, not only winning the final of the Global Champions League (GCL) team competition on Friday, but also posting a one-two finish by the Beerbaum Stables’ jockeys in the prestigious €375,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha CSI 5*.
The dynamic duo went straight to the hospital after the grand prix, foremost, to personally check up on their friend, but also provide him with another “gift” due to their great achievements.
Beerbaum Stables’ captured their visit and posted the following:
Speaking after winning the Global Champions League team competition on Friday, Weishaupt stated: “We are delighted with the win day today. We have had up and downs this week. I was not supposed to jump today at all – Coby was meant to have a day off and Ludger was supposed to ride but unfortently he ended up in hospital last night. This win was for Ludger and we wish him a speedy recovery. For sure, he is watching from the hospital now so we wish him all the best.”
Philipp went on to win the Grand Prix on Sunday too, declaring: “It is a very special moment for me. To win this Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha. If my best horse Coby would have won, it would have been nice, but not so surprising for a long time. The plan was quite different. We had to change horses due to Ludger’s accident.” He went on to add: ” It is a very special moment, the nicest story in this whole situation is when we have one down like what happened with Ludger’s accident it could not have happened in a better place. We felt like the whole country of Qatar was helping us, the hospital was amazing and he almost felt like he was at home.”
Moreover, Christian Kukuk (GER) was second in the grand prix, explaining in the post-event press conference: “It is quite an emotional second place today. I am definitely more smiling than crying today about coming second. I was last to go and I had to give everything. I am so happy for our team.”
Wow, what a story, what a fairytale ending, filled with hoofbeats!
On behalf, of Jumper News, we wish Ludger a speedy recovery and successful return to the rings soon.
Source: Update from Beerbaum Stables & interview input from Longines Global Champions Tour.
Photos: © Beerbaum Stables / LGCT / Stefano Grasso / Helen Cruden
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