Helsinki, Finland – February 28, 2026 –The €110,000 Helsinki Grand Prix CSI 5*-W offered a nail-biting battle. The winner was decided in a 13-way jump off against the clock, and from the first clear it was evident that an incredibly fast round was needed for the win. Rider after rider put a spectacular round on the leaderboard but it was Japan’s Eiken Sato (JPN) that rode Chadellano JRA to the victory. French Olympic team champion Kevin Staut (FRA) on Kannonqulan was narrowly left to the second place while yesterday’s five-star class winner Giampiero Garofalo (ITA) of Italy with his Querido van’t Ruytershof took the last spot in the top three.

Sato had to wait his next big win a long time but believes the last 6-7 months in Yuri Mansur’s team have contributed to the clear development in his results. He has had changes in the training; he feels his mind has been getting better and he now has access to new information. To this background, the Japanese, who is aiming for the World Championships in Aachen and the Asian Games to be held in Japan, was feeling very happy after the victory.

“The jump-off was really prompt for us. We had to imagine the course thorough beforehand and make everything clear. I never believed I could win but this was a good run and I’m very happy about that. I would like to say thank you to my team and especially for Yuri and his wife – without the support we cannot do anything.”

Sato’s horse Chadellano JRA is owned by the Japanese Federation and the rider is very thankful that they have trusted him with him.

Final Results – €110,000 Helsinki Grand Prix CSI 5*-W

1) Eiken Sato (JPN) & Chadellano JRA – 0 / 0 – 32.89

2) Kevin Staut (FRA) & Kannonqulan – 0 / 0 – 33.59

3) Giampiero Garofalo (ITA) & Querido van’t Ruytershof – 0 / 0 – 35.54

Source: Press Release (edited) from Helsinki International Horse Show

Photo: © HIHS / Heidi Lammi

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