Convall Collects Jumping's Richest Prize

Philipp Weishaupt’s classy stallion brushes off losing a shoe in the warmup to land the grand prix, and Beezie Madden spearheads the victorious American team

- Catherine Austen

PHILIPP WEISHAUPT won the exceptionally valuable CP International grand prix, supported by Rolex, with the only double clear of the class.

The genial German 32-year old, who collected showjumping’s richest prize of $1million (£625,000) for his victory, was riding the grey 10-year-old stallion LB Convall, on whom he won the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen in 2016.

“To be double clear here is really special — there’s nothing tougher than this,” said Philipp. “Convall was outstanding. He makes my job so easy, and it’s so much fun to ride him that you wouldn’t believe it.

“He has plenty of character — he needs to know I am the boss, but he is such a cool horse.”

There were eight clears from the 42 starters in the first round. Course-designer Leopoldo Palacios Jugo produced a huge, varied track with fences up to 1.68m, and the final line of an enormous treble to an upright caught out many of the favourites, including Scott Brash, winner of this class in 2015 and 2016, with Ursula XII on what might be the mare’s fi nal appearance.

Twelve riders went on to the second round — the fastest four faulters going first. Number one off the blocks was Eric Lamaze, and he punched in a determined clear with one time-fault on Fine Lady 5. But after him the rails came crashing down with regularity. Until Philipp’s round, it looked as though it might be won with four faults.

LB Convall lost a shoe in the warm-up for this round, so actually jumped a few horses later than he was drawn — and Philipp admitted he benefitted from McLain Ward, who dropped the middle pole of the treble on HH Azur, advising him to hold for an extra stride.