Beezie Madden is Rolex FEI World Cup jumping champion

Beezie Madden was crowned the new Rolex FEI World Cup jumping champion in Sweden on Sunday after a thrilling head-to-head with Steve Guerdat of Switzerland.

Beezie’s victory with the 14-year-old gelding Simon handed USA back-to-back wins, after Rich Fellers took the title in 2012 with Flexible.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to win the World Cup — I can’t believe I did it,” said Beezie.

Olympic champion Steve Guerdat and Nino Des Buissonnets took the runner-up spot for the second year in succession when hitting two fences in the jump-off.

“I was in the same position last year, which is maybe why I took too many risks,” said Steve.

Frenchman Kevin Staut (Silvana) took third spot on the podium, ahead of Sergio Alvarez Moya on the former Nick Skelton ride Carlo 273, with fifth place going to McLain Ward and Super Trooper De Ness, also produced in Britain, by Nicky Boulter.

Denis Lynch was the best-placed Irishman, taking 14th place with All Star 5.

Don’t miss next week’s Horse & Hound magazine (out Thursday 2 May) for full report, pictures and reactions from Gothenburg.

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.