Christian Kukuk Wins $750K Rolex Grand Prix at WEF 2025 | Olympic Glory & Baby Joy

The $750,000 Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open Grand Prix CSI5* delivered a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), with Germany’s Christian Kukuk taking a dramatic victory in front of a sold-out crowd at Wellington International.

Already the 2024 Paris Olympic Champion, Kukuk added another career-defining win to his record—just hours after becoming a first-time father at 1:00 a.m. that very morning. Riding his longtime partner, the 16-year-old stallion Checker 47, Kukuk delivered a flawless performance in the jump-off, securing his second consecutive Grand Prix victory at Wellington.

The prestigious Grand Prix is part of the renowned Rolex Series and served as the grand finale of the WEF season. The evening featured six of the world’s top 10 riders, including World No. 1 Henrik von Eckermann, six-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward, and, of course, the defending Rolex Grand Prix winner, Christian Kukuk.

The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of fans gathered for an evening that celebrated world-class sport and high-end entertainment. Spectators enjoyed an immersive experience complete with face painting, pony rides, stilt walkers, autograph sessions, a petting zoo, gourmet dining, premier hospitality, exclusive shopping, and a dazzling light show to cap off the night.

The competition brought out the very best in international show jumping. The top three podium spots were claimed by:

🥇 1st Place: Christian Kukuk (Germany) – 2024 Paris Olympic Champion
🥈 2nd Place: Laura Kraut (USA) – Paris Olympic Team Silver Medalist, riding Bisquetta
🥉 3rd Place: Ashlee Bond (Israel), riding Donatello 141

Also competing were an all-star cast of Olympians and world-ranked athletes, including Kent Farrington (USA) on Greya, McLain Ward (USA) on Contagious, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) on James Kann Cruz, Margie Goldstein-Engle (USA) on Dicas, Erynn Ballard (CAN) on Gakhir, Nayel Nassar (EGY) on Igor Van De Wittemoere, Daniel Deusser (GER) on Bingo Ste Hermelle, and Beat Mändli (SUI) on Dsarie.

The Grand Prix course, crafted to challenge the sport’s elite, was a true test of strategy, speed, and partnership. With over 35 Olympians competing—many just returning from the 2024 Paris Games—the event marked the debut of the U.S. Equestrian Open series, aimed at elevating the sport in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

For full results, photo galleries, and more highlights from the Grand Prix, visit WellingtonInternational.com.