FEI press release by Alice Watson, Bettine van Harselaar & FEI Communications, edited by EQ Life.
Following a spectacular Opening Ceremony, the draw for the Les Trois Rois FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2025 took place Wednesday evening in the iconic St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland.
Australia’s own Mary Hanna, at 70 years of age, is the oldest athlete in the line-up and will contest her sixth Final with Ivanhoe, starting 10th.
View the full start list here.
An exciting draw
An impressive drum performance marked the start of the draw, adding to the sense of anticipation as the athletes gathered to discover their starting order. Divided into two groups, the athletes each played an active role in the draw, with a touch of traditional Swiss flair woven into the ceremony.
Reigning champion Patrik Kittel of Sweden had the honour of drawing the first name from the glass vases containing all athlete names. In a true passing of the torch, he selected Pauline Basquin of France, who in turn selected the next athlete, and so it continued. CHI Basel President Andy Kistler was on hand to draw the corresponding starting numbers. For Basquin, winner of the Madrid qualifier, that resulted in start number 7.
As a thoughtful gesture, all athletes received an engraved Swiss cowbell as a keepsake.
Opening the Grand Prix on Friday morning will be Larissa Pauluis of Belgium, making her second FEI Dressage World Cup Final appearance after Riyadh last year. She will be followed by Carina Scholz of Germany and Soiree d’Amour, who are making their FEI Dressage World Cup Final debut.
A strong field of newcomers
In fact, no fewer than nine athlete-horse combinations will be making their debut in the FEI Dressage World Cup Final this year:
• Carina Scholz (GER) and Soiree d’Amour OLD (start number 2)
• Isabell Freese (NOR) and Total Hope OLD (start number 3)
• Genay Vaughn (USA) and Gino (start number 6)
• Pauline Basquin (FRA) and Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE (start number 7)
• Anikó Komjáthy-Lozonczy (HUN) and Dior S (start number 8)
• Jessica Neuhauser (SUI) and Rockson (start number 11)
• Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock (GER) and Florine OLD (start number 14)
• Sandra Sysojeva (POL) and Maxima Bella (start number 15)
• Corentin Pottier (FRA) and Gotilas Du Feuillard (start number 17)
Milestone appearance for Kittel, record run for Werth
Reigning champion Patrik Kittel is making his tenth appearance at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final, although this time he partners Forever Young HRH rather than his 2024 winner Touchdown. Kittel will enter the arena in 13th position.
The most experienced athlete in the field, however, is none other than Germany’s Isabell Werth. Basel marks her 26th Final, and she will compete with DSP Quantaz, who already boasts podium finishes in both Omaha and Riyadh.
Borja Carrascosa of Spain returns with Sir Hubert NRW, just as he did in Riyadh, and will ride fourth. Likewise, Kevin Kohmann of the USA continues his partnership with Duenensee, drawing number 9. His compatriot Adrienne Lyle will compete in her second Final, this year with Helix as start number 5.
One to watch is Charlotte Fry of Great Britain, the youngest athlete in the field at just 29-years-old. The reigning World Champion will ride her Olympic bronze medallist Glamourdale in their very first FEI Dressage World Cup Final together. Starting 12th, Fry shared her excitement:
“Glammy and I had our first training in the main stadium today, he seemed to really like it in there! We’re both excited to get going on Friday! It’s our first Final together and I’m very much looking forward to it!”
Unfortunately, one combination was withdrawn prior to the vet check and draw: Brazil’s Renderson Silva de Oliveira and Fogoso Campline will not compete in Basel.
The trot-up will take place 3 April, 2.30pm local time.
What to expect
The Grand Prix on Friday serves as the qualifier for Sunday’s Freestyle to Music. All combinations scoring over 60% in the Grand Prix will earn a place in the Freestyle.
The judging panel for the Grand Prix consists of:
• Maria Colliander (FIN)
• Christof Umbach (LUX)
• Hans Voser (SUI)
• Michael Osinski (USA)
• Ulrike Nivelle (GER)
The Ground Jury Supervisory Panel (JSP) includes Great Britain’s Andrew Ralph Gardner, Germany’s Dr. Evi Eisenhardt, and the USA’s Liselotte Fore.
A total of 17 combinations from 12 nations will compete for the coveted title of FEI Dressage World Cup Champion 2025.
Full start list can be seen here.
