London, England – May 17, 2025 –In a thrilling first round of The €50,000 Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes CSI 5* for The King’s Cup, it took eight combinations before the first clear was posted by none other than World No. 6 Martin Fuchs (SUI), riding his long-time partner, Commissar Pezi. At the halfway mark, the Swiss star remained the only rider with a clean scorecard, despite several getting agonisingly close. Among them were Show Ambassador Jack Whitaker, winner of The Defender Stakes CSI 5* which took place on Friday, who finished fourth, and his uncle John Whitaker (GBR) who eventually placed third. Both left all the fences standing but picked up a single time fault.

The 13-obstacle course proved to be a test of accuracy and scope and featured multiple demanding treble combinations and technical related distances. Even the most accomplished names in the sport, including triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher and World Top 10 rider Richard Vogel, couldn’t find a way through to the jump-off.

It was not until the third-last rider, Kim Emmen (NED), entered the arena aboard 10-year-old mare Keavanta-C, that the crowd saw another clear – setting up a jump-off between the Dutch rider and Fuchs.

First to go, Fuchs laid down a typical masterclass in jump-off riding. With a daring sixpence turn back to the Rolex vertical and a stride out to the final fence, he stopped the clock on an impressive time of 35.19 seconds and left all the poles in place. Emmen followed with a strong effort but picked up four faults, handing Fuchs his second CSI5* victory of the week following yesterday’s win in The Pearl Stakes.

A delighted Fuchs reflected on the performance: “I’m very pleased with this win, Commissar Pezi jumped brilliantly – he is so fast – I took some tight turns and a stride out to the last, which helped put the pressure on and secure the win. Both my horses and I love coming to my Show. Every time my horses enter the Castle Arena, they feel very special, and we always have great support from the British crowd, which is why I love coming back every year.”

Final Results – The €50,000 Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes CSI 5* for The King’s Cup

1) Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Commissar Pezi – 0 / 0 – 35.19

2) Kim Emmen (NED) & Keavanta-C – 0 / 4 – 38.43

3) John Whitaker (GBR) & Sharid – 1 – 68.23

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

Photo: © RWHS / Peter Nixon

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