Fort Worth Hosts World Cup Final as Entries Conclude

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 30, 2026 11:26 AM ET

Fort Worth Hosts World Cup Final as Entries Conclude

As entries conclude, Fort Worth will host the 46th Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final next month. Definite entries list includes 36 athletes representing 19 countries.

Event details and venue

The Final takes place at Dickies Arena. The venue seats 14,000 and opens from 8 to 12 April.

Competition days start on 9 April, continue on 10 April, and finish with the decider on 12 April.

Course and organisation

Anderson de Moura Lima of Mexico is the appointed course designer. Organisers expect technically demanding tracks throughout the week.

The field includes experienced champions, rising stars, and multiple international contenders.

Returning champions and headline names

Julien Epaillard will not defend his title. Several former winners will still contest the crown.

Steve Guerdat (Switzerland) aims for a fourth title. He brings Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte after wins in Helsinki and Leipzig.
Martin Fuchs (Switzerland) returns with L&L Lorde, the 11-year-old gelding he has recently campaigned.
McLain Ward (USA) contests his 21st Final. He rides the 12-year-old Jordan Molga M.
Daniel Deusser (Germany) arrives aboard Otello de Guldenboom, adding further experience to the start list.

First-time finalists

Sixteen riders make their World Cup Final debuts. Several earned places through strong league performances worldwide.

Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen (Norway), 29, debuts on Equine America Harwich VDL. He finished fifth in the Western European League.
Eiken Sato (Japan), 40, makes his first Final after a European campaign. He brings a unique personal background to the competition.
Jessica Burke (Ireland) secured her place aboard Good Star du Bary after landmark wins this season.
Julie Davey (New Zealand) accepted an invitation and will ride LT Holst Freda.
Jamie Winning-Kermond (Australia) joins the field on Tulara Wat Colblensky.

American challenge and local interest

The United States remains the most successful nation at the Final historically. American riders have a deep record in the competition.

Notable U.S. contenders include:

Laura Kraut, contesting her 10th World Cup Final and bringing broad championship experience.
Kent Farrington, world number two, returns with the 12-year-old mare Greya after a strong 2025 season.
Mimi Gochman, 21, makes her debut after a breakthrough victory in Ocala.
Aaron Vale, originally from nearby Irving, Texas, competes on home ground with Carissimo 25.

Other international threats

The entry list also features many seasoned internationals. Depth across nations suggests an open title fight.

Willem Greve (Netherlands) arrives after three Western European League victories, riding Pretty Woman van’t Paradijs N.O.P.
Kevin Staut (France) returns with Visconti du Telman, after finishing third at last year’s Final.
Also competing are Daniel Coyle (Ireland), Kristaps Neretnieks (Latvia), Abdel Saïd (Belgium) and Gregory Wathelet (Belgium).