Record-Breaking Clear Rates: The Standout Show Jumping Combinations of 2024
Swiss sensation Leone Jei and Martin Fuchs achieve a feat unseen in eight years, leading an elite group of show jumping combinations who dominated the five-star circuit in 2024 with extraordinary clear round rates.
In the high-stakes world of five-star show jumping, consistency is everything. The 2024 season has showcased some remarkable partnerships between horse and rider, with several combinations achieving extraordinary clear rates at the sport's highest level. Let's dive into the statistics and stories behind these performances.
Among combinations that contested at least ten 5* 160cm classes in 2024, the clear rates tell a compelling story of excellence. The numbers reveal outstanding performances from both established partnerships and rising stars in the sport.
Leone Jei & Martin Fuchs: Defining Dominance
Swiss maestro Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei have achieved something truly remarkable - maintaining an 82% clear rate across 17 rounds at the five-star 160cm level. This feat hasn't been seen since 2016, when Peder Fredricson's H&M All In (87% from 15 rounds) and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson's Casall ASK (82% from 22 rounds) set the bar. Their consistency translated into major victories throughout the season, with the pair securing wins in the LLN Grand Prix of Ocala, the Rolex Grand Prix of Windsor, the Rolex Grand Slam Grand Prix of Calgary, and the Rolex Top 10 Final in Geneva.
King Edward & Henrik von Eckermann: Breaking Records
Early in the season, this remarkable partnership reached new heights by breaking their own Elo rating record, pushing it to an unprecedented 822 points. Their successful defense of the World Cup title in Riyadh highlighted their exceptional talent. While they faced some challenges later in the season, including a disappointing Olympic Games and some jump-off difficulties, their clear rate of 73% across 26 rounds at the highest level remains more than impressive.
Messi van 't Ruytershof & Janne F. Meyer-Zimmerman: Rising Stars
The German combination proved themselves as serious contenders throughout the season, maintaining a 67% clear rate across 18 rounds. Their year was marked by triumph in the LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes, followed by impressive podium finishes in the LGCT Grands Prix of Rome and Rabat. As key contributors to the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames' GCL victory, they demonstrated their ability to perform consistently at the highest level.
The Complete Rankings
The 2024 season has showcased extraordinary performances at the highest level of show jumping. Leone Jei and Martin Fuchs' achievement of maintaining an over 80% clear rate stands out as particularly remarkable, matching a standard not seen in eight years. These statistics not only highlight the exceptional quality of these horses and riders but also demonstrate the increasing competitiveness of modern show jumping at the five-star level.