LONGINES CHI CLASSICS BASEL with strong sporting results and a clear vision for the future

The LONGINES CHI CLASSICS BASEL came to a successful close on Sunday evening. Over the four days of the tournament, the audience enjoyed top-class sport in the disciplines of show jumping and dressage, supported by an enthusiastic crowd and an atmospheric atmosphere in the St. Jakobshalle. The event thus once again confirmed its importance as an integral part of the international equestrian calendar.

From a Swiss perspective, the dressage riders in particular impressed with their strong performances. Special mention must be made of Charlotta ‘Kiki’ Rogerson’s two second places, which send an important signal for dressage in Switzerland. ‘These results are phenomenal and of great significance for the development of dressage in Switzerland,’ emphasises OC President Thomas Straumann. This year’s event also offered exciting competitions in show jumping. The decisions in the U25 categories in particular attracted attention with surprising winners. «It’s great to see how young riders can use this stage. This is important for the future of our sport,» says Straumann.

In today’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ presented by Bank J. Safra Sarasin, Richard Vogel and United Touch S were the fastest in a high-calibre jump-off. The German rider won ahead of Kim Emmen (NED) with Imagine N.O.P. and Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen (NOR) with Equine America Harwich VDL. With this victory, Vogel also secured first place in the European League of the World Cup rankings. «I am very happy to win here in Basel in front of family and friends,» said the European champion. His courageous line in front of the cheese wall in the jump-off was decisive: «I knew that United likes Swiss cheese,» joked Vogel about the turn that cost Kim Emmen crucial seconds.

Great response from the public and participants

The CHI Basel attracted a great deal of interest. A total of 25,500 spectators watched the competitions on site and created a fantastic atmosphere throughout the tournament. 104 riders from 21 different countries took part in both disciplines, underlining the international character of the event. The riders were full of praise for the organisers. «The audience and the organisation here are exceptional – in my opinion, it couldn’t be better,» said Charlotta ‘Kiki’ Rogerson.

Focus on analysis and further development

For the OC President, 2026 was his first edition in this role. Accordingly, his assessment is positive, coupled with a clear commitment to further developing the tournament. «The most important thing for me is that we had no accidents. This meant we were able to enjoy some great sport, with a fantastic atmosphere and an audience that really got behind the event,» says Thomas Straumann. At the same time, careful analysis is also important: «We don’t want to rest on our laurels. It’s often the little things that we can improve to create the best possible conditions for riders and horses.» Close communication with the competitors, the jury and other participants contributed to the smooth running of the event again this year. The proximity to the sport, the enthusiasm of the audience and the special atmosphere characterised the world-class tournament right up to the last day of competition.

Looking ahead

No sooner has CHI Basel come to an end than all eyes are already looking ahead. Preparations for the next edition are underway, as is long-term planning. «Immediately after the event, we begin preparations for the coming year and, together with our sponsors and partners, set our sights on the 2028 World Cup Final,» explains Straumann.

The results and rankings can be found here: https://www.chi-classics-basel.com/spectators/startlists-and-results/?lang=en

Various photos are available for download in the gallery https://www.flickr.com/photos/chibasel/albums/