Germany’s Richard Vogel delivered a commanding performance to win the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ in Verona, Italy, on 8 November 2026, guiding Gangster Montdesir to victory in the third leg of the 2026/27 Western European League.
The world number one produced a remarkable jump-off performance, stopping the clock at 33.02 seconds in a nine-combination decider. His faultless round secured the victory by more than three seconds, establishing a benchmark that none of the remaining competitors could match.
Fellow German rider Tom Schewe finished second aboard Congress Blue PS, producing a clear round in 36.87 seconds. France’s Simon Delestre completed the podium with Gatsby du Tillard, also recording a double-clear performance in 39.83 seconds.
The competition formed part of the 128th edition of Fieracavalli, which celebrated 25 years of hosting World Cup jumping in Verona. Italian course designer Uliano Vezzani set a demanding opening course, with the time allowed extended from 76 to 79 seconds. Despite the adjustment, only nine combinations from the starting field progressed to the jump-off.
Vogel’s winning round was built around precision, tight turns and maintaining rhythm throughout the course. Speaking after the competition, the German rider praised his 10-year-old stallion’s performance, expressing particular satisfaction with how Gangster Montdesir handled the demands of the jump-off.
The victory also strengthened Vogel’s position in the Western European League standings, where he moved into the lead following the Verona qualifier. Austria’s Max Kühner occupied second place, while France’s Julien Epaillard, winner of the 2024 World Cup Final, moved into third.
Germany’s Henrik von Eckermann finished fourth, followed by Kühner in fifth and Daniel Deusser in sixth. Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Ireland’s Eoin McMahon completed the next two positions, while Portugal’s Ricardo Benzinho Karle da Costa finished ninth. Italy’s Federico Ciresi and Quantasy della Caccia rounded out the top ten.
The Western European League now moves to Stuttgart, Germany, for the next qualifying competition, as riders continue their pursuit of qualification for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg in March 2027.
