London, England, – May 16, 2025 – Showjumping got underway today at Royal Windsor Horse Show CSI 5*, featuring some of the world’s top-ranked riders in the opening class, The Pearl Stakes. The highlight of the day, The Defender Stakes, provided a closely contested battle – much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowds in the Castle Arena.

Earlier in the day, the Pearl Stakes CSI 5* opened the International Show Jumping in style, with last year’s Rolex Grand Prix winner, Martin Fuchs (SUI), coming out on top. 33 horse and rider combinations contested the 1.45m two-phase competition with Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) setting a strong pace as first to go. Fuchs took over the lead in the early stages with an immaculate round aboard Love de Vie, a nine-year-old mare competing in her first five-star class. Only Laura Kraut (USA) could come close to challenging the Swiss rider’s position, but her effort was only good enough for second place, with de Luca finishing in third.

Speaking after his round, Fuchs said: “I love this show, it’s great to be back, it’s a great crowd and there’s always an amazing atmosphere, so I always love to come here. It’s Love de Vie’s first five-star show. She’s a really talented mare and I have high expectations for her future, so it was wonderful to start with a win.” 

Final Results – €15,000 The Pearl Stakes CSI 5*

1) Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Love de Vie – 0 / 0 – 24.83

2) Laura Kraut (USA) & Tres Bien Z – 0 / 0 – 25.11

3) Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) & Noblesse Vd Mespel Z – 0 / 0 – 25.41

Source: Press Release by Niki McEwen / Revolution World for the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Photo: © RWHS / Peter Nixon

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