A New Champion Crowned in a Thrilling Finale at Luhmühlen – Ros Canter and Izilot DHI Triumph
In a dramatic final twist worthy of the sport’s highest level, a new champion has been crowned at Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen: none other than Ros Canter and her exceptional equine partner, Izilot DHI. The Longines CCI5*-L concluded in spectacular fashion, with tension mounting to the very last second.
As the final phase of show jumping unfolded, the atmosphere was electric — you could have heard a pin drop. The pressure was immense, and the stakes could not have been higher. Ros Canter, fresh off her recent Mars Badminton victory, entered the arena with Izilot DHI and delivered a flawless, foot-perfect show jumping round. This clean performance piled the pressure on compatriot and defending champion Laura Collett (GBR), who had held the lead following cross-country.
Collett was the last to enter the arena aboard her phenomenal partner, London 52. With Canter and Lissington producing faultless rounds, Laura knew that she could not afford to make a mistake. At the last fence of triple combination a pole fell. With 29.4 points, the pair slipped to third place: “Obviously I’m very disappointed – as everybody would be in my situation. I really wanted him to win, because he deserves it so much. Last year I had a fence in hand and didn’t need it. Today I would have needed it – but that’s life. For me, London 52 is the perfect event horse. He might not have the best confirmation but he has a big heart and the right attitude. He’s my horse of a lifetime!”
Despite the heartbreak, Collett’s consistent performance across all three phases earned her a well-deserved place on the podium. She finishes the competition with both of her top horses — London 52 and Hester — ranked in the top ten.
For Canter, the Luhmühlen victory marks her second five-star triumph in just a matter of weeks, following her stunning performance at Badminton. Reflecting on the win, an elated Ros said of the 12-year-old gelding: “I’m just so thrilled. He hasn’t been an easy character, but he’s come out with so much confidence. He’s such a genuine, unique horse. Some people think he’s just a bit naughty but he’s genuinely spooky. I’m so thrilled that we’ve managed to build a relationship to overcome that and show him off to his best.”
Time allowed on the final show jumping course proved challenging for many, and Canter admitted it had been a focal point in her preparation after past experience: “I feel like last year I lost my first place due to time faults and I blame myself. I worked quite hard on the mental side behind it. We changed a few things, made sure I had more time, and I was more relaxed and gave him a much better ride. So, I’m just delighted with that.”
As she stood on top of the podium during the prize-giving ceremony, Canter extended her gratitude to the event and its supporters: “First of all, I want to thank Luhmühlen for putting on such a fantastic event, one of my favourites to come back to. A big thank you to the crowd for making it so special.”
After an incredible 1-2-3 in the CCI4*-L at Chaumont en Vexin, and podiums at Bicton and Belsay, New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington and her remarkable partner Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ finished in second place. The pair jumped clear on the final day, finishing with just 0.4 XC time penalties added to their dressage score. Their final tally of 29.3 secured another career accolade for Lissington, who is notably a student of Ros Canter. “He’s just amazing, such a pocket rocket. The jumps do seem rather large when you sit on him, but he’s got a big stride and a heart of gold. I’m just delighted with how he went all week.” We cannot wait to see what comes next for Sam, as this girl is on fire!
American rider Cosby Green also had a standout weekend, finishing an impressive fourth with Highly Suspicious, and placing eighth with JOS UFO de Quidam — a tremendous result at this level.
A strong showing from Austria’s Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line saw them climb steadily throughout the competition. After sitting fifteenth following dressage, a brilliant cross-country round moved them into eighth, and a strong final phase saw them finish fifth overall.
Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp, aboard Carlitos Quidditch K, bounced back from a costly MIM clip penalty on cross-country. A clear round in show jumping catapulted them into sixth — a testament to their resilience and poise under pressure.
Australia’s Isabel English and Cil Dara Dallas also made waves. After holding fourteenth position through the first two phases, they jumped clear with just 1.6 time penalties in the final round, securing a strong ninth-place finish.
Closing out the top ten was Ireland’s Robbie Kearns and Chance Encounter. After a gutsy cross-country performance that impressed many, they completed the competition in fine form, demonstrating grit and determination throughout.
It was also an encouraging event for a host of exciting 5* debutante horses. Among those who successfully completed the competition were:
- Jonelle Price (NZL) with Senor Crocodillo
- Francesca Reid-Warrilow (GBR) with Guilty Pleasure
- Heidi Coy (GBR) with Halenza
- Alice Copithorne (IRL) with Fort Arthur Little Dolly
- Sebastien Cavaillon (FRA) with Black Pearl Z
- Lea Siegl (AUS) with Van Helsing P
- Thomas Carlile (FRA) with Darmagnac de Beliard
Their completions mark the beginning of what could be very promising five-star careers.
Luhmühlen once again delivered on every front — world-class sport, emotional highs and lows, and unforgettable performances. For Ros Canter and Izilot DHI, it was a week to remember, one that firmly cements their status among the elite of eventing.