WEF 12 Grand Prix: The Springboard to Olympic Glory

The 2024 WEF 12 Rolex Grand Prix proved to be more than just another prestigious Saturday Night Lights event - it became a preview of Olympic excellence. Of the nine combinations that reached the jump-off, five would go on to compete in Paris, with three securing Olympic medals. The night's dramatic conclusion, with Christian Kukuk denying McLain Ward a home victory by just 0.42 seconds, foreshadowed an extraordinary season for both combinations.

The Golden Path

Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 demonstrated their trademark composure as last to go in both rounds. Their winning margin of just 0.42 seconds over McLain Ward set the tone for what would become a defining year.

Following their Wellington triumph, the pair claimed victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid, earned their Olympic team selection, and ultimately secured individual gold in Paris with another clutch performance as last to go in the jump-off. Their recent return to Wellington has already yielded success, with a CSI4* Grand Prix victory during WEF3 2025.

New Partnership, Immediate Success

McLain Ward's second-place finish with Ilex was remarkable given their brief seven-week partnership. This performance launched an impressive campaign that included another prestigious second place in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen.

Despite their relatively new partnership, they secured Olympic team selection and contributed two clear rounds to Team USA's Team Silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games.

Home Success Continues

Karl Cook and Kalinka van 't Zorgvliet came to WEF12 with momentum, having won the million-dollar Grand Prix in Thermal four months prior. Their third-place finish in Wellington, achieved with a solid double clear, matched their earlier podium finish in the WEF9 CSI5* Grand Prix, though they haven't competed since.

Olympic Connections

The jump-off field showcased several future Olympic combinations. Daniel Bluman and the now-retired Ladriano Z placed fourth before helping Israel reach the Olympic team final.

Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly's fifth-place finish preceded their contribution to British team gold in Paris, where they delivered crucial rounds including a clear in qualification and just a single time fault in the final.

Cian O'Connor and Maurice, despite being a relatively new partnership of five months, used their ninth-place finish as another stepping stone toward Olympic selection, where they helped Ireland to seventh place.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Wellington prepares for the inaugural $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix, the legacy of WEF12 2024 serves as a reminder of the venue's ability to identify future champions. The potential return of Olympic gold medalists Kukuk and Checker 47, alongside Ward and Ilex, suggests another historic night awaits in the International Arena.

About the Series
Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:

• Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.
• Attract a broader audience.
• Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.

Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.

For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:

Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org
Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org