A drizzly morning couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of spectators, as crowds gathered in the hallowed stadium to witness a staggering 145 competitors take to the main arena to contest the first round of competition.
Built by internationally renowned course designer Frank Rothenberger, the first round of competition saw competitors take on a Table C. Run as a speed class with fences set at 155cm tall, seconds were added to a competitors’ times in accordance with their penalties accrued. Teams and individuals alike were vying for a quick, clear round to set themselves up well for the intensive week of competition to come.
Julien Epaillard and Fringan de Vesquerie claim early win
Home nation Germany drew first in the team draw, so none other than Marcus Ehning kicked off the competition in front of a home crowd. In a foot perfect masterclass, Ehning and Coolio 42 proved that a clear round was in reach instilling confidence in his German teammates and competitors alike, finishing on 74.16 seconds.
After 145 combinations, it was the flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard who rose to the top, stopping the clock in a phenomenal 70.60 seconds to take the class aboard Fringan de Vesquerie, an eleven-year-old by Mylord Carthago.
In his post ride interview, Epaillard shared, “The horse was super; he already knows the ring because he came here a few months ago, so was super focused.”
Whilst Julien has put himself atop the current leaderboard, it was a mixed result for his fellow French team riders, with the team finishing in fifth position after round one.
Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands claimed second place with his nomination of Mr. Tac (Non Stop x Toulon), stopping the clock in a time of 71.96 seconds ahead of Scott Brash and Hello Mango (Untouchable x Numero Uno) who finished third in a time of 72.19 seconds.
Looking to the leaderboard from day one of competition, it truly was the best of the best at the top. With less than a rail separating a large number of the top placegetters and teams, spectators are set for a thrilling week of sport, where it could truly be anyone’s game to win.
In the team standings, Germany is currently out in front on 3.48 penalties, narrowly ahead of Belgium on 3.69 and the United States of America on 4.85.
Australians in action
First out for Australia was Jamie Winning-Kermond and her nomination of Tulara WAT Colblensky. Bred, owned and produced in Australia, Tulara WAT Colblensky was bred by Mark and Anna Fraser of Tulara Warmbloods in Victoria and is by Colman out of the Cornet Obolensky-sired dam Tulara Cornetto. In an impressive World Championship debut, ‘Jim and Juno’ – as they are affectionately known on the Australian jumping scene – looked right at home in Aachen’s main arena to finish with just one rail down in the back half of a very tight double of verticals to finish on 83.75 seconds (including their penalties added) to finish in 88th.
In an emotional address to the press post round, Jamie shared what it means to be riding at a World Championships and on the sacrifices made to make it happen. “It’s been a lifelong dream to get to a World Championship, and we finally made it and… at Aachen, so I’m pretty excited. And a massive hello to my kids at home, Hudson and Thomas. It’s been a long time away from them, and I go home next week. I’m really excited about that, so hi to my kids.”
Next to go for Australia was our most experienced international competitor in Edwina Tops-Alexander. Partnered at this championship with her 2024 Paris Olympic mount Fellow Castlefield, Edwina returned to the main arena twenty years after her history making individual final fourth place with Pialotta at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Edwina and Fellow Castlefield jumped a fantastic clear round to finish with a time of 76.19 second, to put them in 37th at the conclusion of round one. It was a fantastic moment for the Australian fans gathered in the stands, and for a very excited Chloé Tops who was spotted cheering her mum on from the kiss and cry.
Thomas McDermott and Oaks Ventriloquist made their World Championship debut as a very enthusiastic Australian crowd was heard cheering from the stands. Tom piloted the 2012 gelding ‘Venti’ – sired by Vivant van de Heffink out of Renata Ego Z and bred by Alice Cameron at Oaks Sport Horses in New South Wales – around the track to add just four penalty seconds for a rail down. Tom and Venti finished with a total time of 81.20 seconds including the penalties added, to finish 73rd after the first round of competition.
Last to ride for Australia was Rowan Willis with his nomination of Handsome. A relatively recent partnership, Rowan and Handsome made light work of the start of the track, however after unfortunately jumping to the left-hand-side of the flagged section of the wall, they had to circle back and re-present, blowing out their time on course.
Interestingly, Rowan was not the only competitor who had to re-present to the wall for jumping outside the flags. Two other competitors were also caught out when their horses shifted. Rowan and Handsome finished round one with a time of 109.97 (including penalties added) to sit at 131st on the leaderboard.
Good day for New Zealand
It was a fantastic opening day for our neighbours across the ditch, particularly for Sophie Scott and Luke Dee, who both recorded clear rounds on arguably the world’s toughest stage. Australians were cheering extra loudly for Sophie Scott and her Australian bred Normandy GHP, bred and started by Queenslander Olivia Hamood.
If day one was anything to go by, we are in for an exceptionally exciting week of sport! Round two will commence on Thursday 20 August at 9am for those at Aachen, or via ClipMyHorse.TV for those watching from home at 5pm AEST.
Australian and New Zealand start times
Thursday August: Second Competition Team & Individual Qualifier
Part 1 from 5.00pm AEST (9.00am local time)
31. Jamie Winning-Kermond and Tulara Wat Colblensky (AUS)
37. Luke Dee and Gangster WW (NZ)
Part 2 from 8.15pm AEST (12.15pm local time)
60. Edwina Tops-Alexander and Fellow Castlefield (AUS)
66. Sophia Scott and Normandy GHP (NZ)
Part 3 from 10.05pm AEST (2.05pm local time)
89. Tom McDermott and Oaks Ventriloquist (AUS)
95. Uma O’Neill and Luigi d’Eclipse (NZ)
Part 4 from 11.48pm AEST (3.48pm local time)
118. Rowan Willis and Handsome (AUS)
124. Katie Laurie and Django (NZ)
Watch the action live with ClipMyHorse.TV
The best way to watch the action live and on demand is with a CMH.TV Premium Yearly Membership. ClipMyHorse.TV Australia is currently offering a 26% discount on Premium Yearly Memberships with the code AACHEN26.
Normally priced at $257.11 AUD*, a Premium Yearly Membership is currently available for $190.26 AUD*.
Terms & Conditions
*Offer valid from 14 July 2026 until 23 August 2026, 11:59pm AEST. Not valid in conjunction with any other discount or promotion. The AUD pricing quoted above is based on the USD to AUD exchange rate as of 4 August 2026 and may vary slightly due to currency fluctuations.
Watch the action from the FEI World Championships here via ClipMyHorse.TV.
