The Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open Grand Prix: What to Expect Tonight in Wellington
Tonight’s Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix at Wellington is shaping up to be a historic one. According to EquiRatings Field Strength analysis, this class features the highest-rated field ever to jump in Wellington and ranks among the top 20 Grand Prix events worldwide since 2010.
🎧 Listen: Special Preview Podcast
📄 Download: Printable Start List
📄 View: The Fan Guide
The last ten editions of this class have seen a first-round clear rate of just 18%, meaning only about seven riders typically make it through to the jump-off. With such elite talent tonight, that number may rise slightly—but not by much.
Key detail: Riders will start the jump-off in the same order as the first round’s draw. That means Germany’s Richard Vogel and Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam could face times to beat from top US riders if all make it through.
Germany’s Dominance Continues?
Germany has long ruled this class. Christian Kukuk returns as the defending champion, having won the last two years with Checker 47, the Olympic champion. The prior year’s winner, Richard Vogel, is back too—this time on Gangster Mondesir, a rising star with a perfect five-for-five clear record at 5* 1.60m level and a recent win over Greya earlier this season.
Keep an eye on these two: their consistency and precision have proven unstoppable in Wellington. Vogel is in incredible form and feels unbeatable. And he is late to go. We want to keep the Open on home soil but this feels ominous.
Win Chances Before the First Round
Pre-competition probabilities show a three-way tie at 9% between:
Kent Farrington & Greya
Eddy Blue (IRL)
James Kann Cruz (IRL)
You can’t win if you don’t reach the jump-off. Greya, in particular, shines under pressure—her jump-off record at this level is exceptional, making her a likely favorite if she posts a first-round clear. Late draw positions could play into some riders’ hands as well.
Certain riders are simply built for the jump-off. If these names make it through the first round, expect fireworks:
James Kann Cruz (last to go): 21 jump-offs at 5* 1.60m, 19 podiums. Always dangerous, even if not always the winner.
Ben Maher: A master tactician known for razor-sharp rounds under pressure.
When these two enter the ring, clear rounds come often but are they fast enough to win?
A Possible History-Making Moment
Watch closely after the interval. France’s Nina Mallevaey, the world’s top-rated female rider at just 26, heads in with Dynastie De Beaufour on an incredible run of 14 consecutive clears at 5* 1.60m level.
If she delivers again tonight, she’ll become one of only two horses to reach 15 consecutive clears, the record is 17 in a row set by Casall ASK in 2017. This could be a moment for the history books if she edges past H&M All In.
Don’t Miss a Second
With record field strength, razor-thin margins, and the world’s best show jumpers under the lights, tonight’s Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open Grand Prix promises drama, data, and possible history in the making.
🎧 Tune in now: Special Preview Podcast
📄 Print your start list: Start List with Data
Watch the action tonight on USEF Network: Watch here
The Vision of the US Equestrian Open
The US Equestrian Open was born from a strategic Board of Directors decision in 2023 to build a permanent legacy for US Equestrian sport. Its mission is to increase awareness and foster a deeper connection to equestrianism by delivering a premier, unified championship series. With top-level competition, storytelling, and a dynamic, entertaining experience, the vision is to transform disparate events into a cohesive, narrative-driven season for fan engagement. The series is anchored by core values which include fan-first accessibility, competitive integrity, storytelling, and a dynamic entertaining experience onsite, all designed to benefit the family of USEF disciplines and breeds.
The US Equestrian Open spans the three disciplines—Jumping, Eventing, and Dressage—with USEF contributing $200,000 in prize money to each final to ensure high-stakes competitive integrity. The Jumping Final returns to Wellington International from March 24–29, 2026, followed by the Eventing Final at Morven Park from October 8–11, 2026. The season concludes with the Dressage Final at the Desert International Horse Park from November 11–15, 2026. You can follow along with the unfolding stories and sport updates at www.usequestrianopen.org, on our video series The Open Road, and on our weekly podcast.
