Ten pairs reached the jump-off for the Final of the 2026 Youngster-Tour. Ultimately, Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger, riding Victory Music Z, claimed the victory ahead of two German pairs.

For a long time, it looked like Philipp Weishaupt’s round with his 8-year-old gelding, Aberdeen Z, would be the winning one. As the first pair to go, they completed an immaculate round in the jump-off with the clock stopping at an impressive 46.30 seconds. Initially, only Rene Dittmer – riding his eight-year-old Holsteiner-bred Cajero 8 – almost managed to match this benchmark. They, too, jumped clear, crossing the finish line in 47.00 seconds – that sufficed for third place in the end.

Then, Janika Sprunger and her Zangersheide mare, Victory Music Z, entered the Main Stadium. And the eight-year-old’s name proved to be a perfect reflection of her performance over the days at Aachen. Just yesterday, the pair had already triumphed in the second qualifier, and today, once again, everything came together seamlessly. Between the first and second fences, the Vigo d’Arsouilles daughter expressed her exuberant energy with one or two little hops of joy – without, however, wasting a single centimetre either over or between the obstacles. Shortly afterwards, they had set their rhythm: a brisk pace, tight turns, ears pricked attentively forward and eyes fixed resolutely on the next challenge. And by the time they cleared the final oxer, at the very latest, it became obvious: these two “ladies” were simply unbeatable – just like the day before. On a time of 45.56 seconds, Janika Sprunger and Victory Music Z secured the victory in the 2026 Youngster-Tour.

“For us riders, it is a great privilege to be allowed to compete here in Aachen. I have taken part here several times before, but the thrill and the goosebumps that this unique atmosphere evokes remain just as intense every single time,” revealed the 38-year-old Swiss rider, who had nothing but praise for her four-legged partner. “My horse worked magnificently with me, I am incredibly proud of her. Her attitude – always wanting to be at the top of the rankings and fight for me – is truly extraordinary. The progress she is making at the moment overwhelms me and makes me feel very confident for the future.”