Two World Cups Ignite London Legends Crowned New Champions Rise Olympic Hero Farewell

London, December 21 — The London International Horse Show reached its peak on Agria Super Sunday, as two FEI World Cups took centre stage, blending championship drama with a poignant farewell in a showcase of speed, passion and emotion.

Dutch legend Ijsbrand Chardon proved age is just a number, as the 64-year-old claimed victory at the sixth leg of the FEI Driving World Cup, successfully defending his London title with trademark precision. Belgium’s Dries Degrieck set the fastest time but finished second after errors, while Chardon’s son Bram completed the podium in third, underlining a remarkable family legacy.

The jumping arena delivered equal fireworks. Austria’s Max Kühner and EIC Cooley Jump The Q stormed to victory with a flawless jump-off, making history as the first Austrian to win the London World Cup in 36 years. Kühner described the round as “feeling like flying”. Britain’s Donald Whitaker thrilled the home crowd in second, with Ireland’s Cian O’Connor taking third.

The most emotional moment of the evening belonged to Explosion W. The legendary partner of Ben Maher, Olympic individual gold medallist in Tokyo, made his official retirement appearance to a sea of glow sticks and applause. Maher described him as “a once-in-a-lifetime horse”.

The drama continued elsewhere, as France’s Olympic champion Kevin Staut finally claimed victory in London with a win in the CSI5* Christmas Challenge. Twenty-one-year-old Jake Myers secured the British Under 25 Championship, while Anya Dewey Clarke and Jim dominated the 128cm Pony Championship.

Elite competition, rising stars and a legendary farewell — Agria Super Sunday delivered a truly London-style celebration of world-class equestrian sport.