PODCAST: When Opportunity Knocks in Mexico: Big Money, Open Field, and a Chance to Shine

This week on the EquiRatings Jumping Podcast, Diarmuid and Charlotte took us straight to the heart of Mexico City for the next leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour. But this wasn’t just your usual preview episode. With big names elsewhere and a prize pot of €720,000 still up for grabs, this Grand Prix has turned into one of the biggest career opportunities for a whole group of riders. It’s the kind of weekend where someone could change their life.

Calendar Chaos = Surprise Advantage

Mexico City’s spot on the calendar this year makes it feel like the quiet kid at the back of the class—easy to overlook. With World Cup Finals in Basel, Rolex Week in Wellington, and horses strategically staying in place, many of the sport’s usual superstars are elsewhere. That’s left the door wide open in Mexico for some lesser-known combinations to make their mark—and potentially take home a huge chunk of prize money.

€720,000 Reasons to Care

With only one horse in Mexico ranked inside the top 50 on the Elo ratings, the field is wide open. Diarm and Charlotte talked us through just how rare this kind of setup is: horses with Elos in the 700s—normally just outside the spotlight—are now in with a real shot. Denis Lynch’s Vistogrand, the top-rated horse in the class, would be middle of the pack in Wellington. But here? He’s the one to beat.

Who’s Hot? The Podium Picks Are In

Charlotte’s calling it: Carlos Hank Guerreiro and H5 Porthos Maestro WH are her pick for the win. They were 4th here last year and are coming off a win in Wellington. Home soil, great form, and proven success at the venue—what’s not to love? 

Diarm took a little longer (a lot longer), but finally settled on Canadian duo Kyle Timm and Candar Mail. With a stellar clear round record and strong GCL form, they’re a big podium threat. Add in veterans like Maikel van der Vleuten and up-and-comers like Nadia Peter Steiner with Mila, and you’ve got a fascinating field.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about prize money. It’s about giving a platform to riders who might not always get the spotlight. These are the shows where careers can turn. From podium picks to personal milestones, Diarm and Charlotte remind us that moments like this are what sport is all about—underdogs rising, dreams within reach, and a new name about to break through.

 🎧 Want to hear who else made the cut? Who didn’t? And who Diarm tried (and failed) to talk himself out of picking? Listen to the full episode now and join the conversation as Mexico serves up one of the most open Grand Prix weekends of the year.