Martin Fuchs “Takes the Upgrade” to Thrive in the RAI Amsterdam Prize CSI 5*-W

By Jumper News on 2025-01-29

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – January 25, 2025 – Martin Fuchs took victory in the €28,450 RAI Amsterdam Prize CSI 5*-W Saturday night with the twelve-year-old Westfaler L&L Upgrade (Ultimo x Baloubet du Rouet) at Jumping Amsterdam. In the direct-on-time course over 1.45m, Fuchs raced to victory in a lightning-fast time of 55.71 seconds.

Jur Vrieling (NED) could not keep up with the Swiss with the ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) member Kannan Jr. (Cornet Obolensky x Quick Star). A clear lap in 56.31 seconds was enough for second place.

Pim Mulder (NED) took the lead for a long time, but could not hold on to it. With the twelve-year-old Irish-bred Dunaghmore (Ustinov x Cruising), he crossed the finish line unscathed in 56.44 seconds.

L&L Upgrade: Extremely Fast & Careful
Fuchs was very happy with the victory. “L&l Upgrade jumped very well tonight. He was extremely fast and careful. It was my turn at the end of the field. I was happy with this. I also looked at how the others did it. This did help me.”

Very Good Team
“I have been driving L&l Upgrade for 2.5 years. He is a horse with many possibilities. Occasionally he is a bit leery. We still have to work on this. Tonight we showed that we are already a very good team. I’m sure he will also do well in more difficult tests. We have already made a start on this. In Helsinki he won his first Grand Prix and in Basel he won the 1.50m against the clock. I want to do two more competitions with him this indoor season. I therefore use it for the tougher tests. In the outdoor season I will ride Nations Cups with him and 5* competitions.”

Everything is Fine
Fuchs is happy to be riding at Jumping Amsterdam. “I am at Jumping Amsterdam for the first time this year. The crowd is fantastic and there is a good atmosphere. Everything is well organized. I’m sure I’ll be back.”