jack whitaker claims breakthrough lgct miami beach podium as eckermann takes third title
LGCT of Miami Beach | Grand Prix CSI5
Jack Whitaker delivered a standout performance to secure his first Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix podium in Miami Beach, finishing second behind Germany’s Katrin Eckermann in the 2026 season opener.
Riding Izara des Dames, Whitaker came closest to challenging the eventual winner in a 13-horse jump-off, stopping the clock in 45.68 seconds. It marked a significant result for the British Showjumping rider and his relatively inexperienced mare at five-star level, underlining their growing partnership on one of the sport’s biggest – and most glamorous – stages.
Eckermann ultimately proved untouchable, guiding Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS to victory in a blistering 44.15 seconds. The win marks her third Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Miami Beach title, adding to back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023, and securing her early lead in the 2026 championship standings.
Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci completed the podium in third place with Pallieter vd N.Ranch, having briefly taken the lead in the jump-off before Eckermann raised the bar.
Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the Miami Beach leg marked the return of the Longines Global Champions Tour to one of its most iconic venues, launching the circuit’s 20th anniversary season. A technical track designed by Peter Grant proved influential from the outset, with 13 combinations finding the answers to progress to the jump-off from a 37-strong field.
Whitaker’s round in the final phase stood out for its balance of control and ambition. Taking a bold outside turn, he shaved valuable seconds off the clock to move into second place, coming closer than any other rider to matching Eckermann’s time.
Speaking after his round, Whitaker said: “It hasn’t sunk in yet, this is a big one for me – it feels amazing to be back up there. So proud of my mare. She is a bit inexperienced at this level, so I wasn’t sure how she would handle it.”
Up next
With the 2026 season now underway, Eckermann takes maximum championship points from Miami, while Whitaker’s result signals strong British form heading into the next leg in Mexico City from 16 to 19 April.