Beat Mändli wins World Cup jumping opener in Williamsburg

Swiss rider Beat Mändli secured victory in the opening leg of the 2026/27 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League held in Williamsburg during the Traverse City Fall International. Riding the 10-year-old Belgian mare Qoachella, Mändli produced the only double-clear round of the competition, finishing the course in 38.03 seconds.

The tight 78-second time allowed proved challenging for the field, as none of the first six combinations completed the technical track without time penalties. Shane Sweetnam of Ireland and James Kann Cruz took second place after hitting the final fence, while Germany’s Christian Kukuk and Akarad Tivoli Z finished third following a rail down.

Mändli, a former World Cup Finals Champion, noted that his primary goal was to build his horse's confidence. He expressed happiness with the result, stating that the mare continues to surprise him with her intelligence and performance in larger classes.