WIHS 2025: Who Wins the World Cup of Washington?

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington, presented by the Maryland Sports Commission, takes center stage tonight under the lights at the Washington International Horse Show. One of the most storied indoor classes on the North American circuit, the President’s Cup has produced Olympic champions, breakout stars, and nail-biting finishes with margins often measured in hundredths of a second.

A Class of Champions

The history of the President’s Cup is steeped in top-level sport. Over the past decade, names like Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, and Rodrigo Pessoa have headlined the winners’ list, with Pessoa and Major Tom taking the title in 2024. Last year’s victory came by just 1.5 seconds,  fitting for a class where, on average, the winning margin is narrower than the blink of an eye.

This year’s lineup is equally impressive. Seven of the riders in the field sit inside the top 20 in the Longines World Rankings, including Kent Farrington (1st), Ben Maher (2nd), Laura Kraut (6th), and Daniel Coyle (9th).

The Favorite: Ben Maher and Faltic HB

Returning to the top level after more than a year away, Ben Maher’s Faltic HB comes in as the top-rated horse in the field, with an Elo rating of 746, among the Top 50 in the world. The pair posted a podium finish in Thursday’s 1.55m class, showing sharp form ahead of tonight’s challenge. With major championship credentials and a career 51% clear rate at 1.60m, Maher is a serious contender for a British victory in Washington.

The U.S. Charge

The home nation boasts several strong contenders, and the numbers suggest it could be a historic all-American podium.

Laura Kraut & Tres Bien Z enter on a 10% win chance, matching Maher’s. The 10-year-old mare ranks among the world’s top 15 horses in her age group, and after a double clear in the Calgary Nations Cup, she’s peaking at the right time. Kraut, a former winner of this class, could deliver another landmark victory for Team USA.

Alongside her, Lillie Keenan & Fasther are riding a wave of form: podiums in Paris and Traverse City, as well as a 6th place finish in the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen underline their consistency. Fasther’s Elo rating of 736 and a 67% jump-off clear rate make them one of the most reliable combinations under pressure.

Then there’s Mimi Gochman & Inclen BH, a rising U.S. pair with a perfect 4/4 record in five-star jump-offs, every start clear, almost every outing a podium. Their composure in the ring makes them one of the standout threats in tonight’s decider.

International Challengers

Germany’s Rene Dittmer & Corsica X return to Washington after finishing runner-up in 2023, fresh from victory in the MLSJ Grand Prix of Hudson Valley. With a 67% jump-off clear rate and recent Nations Cup success in Hickstead, they are among the most consistent partnerships in the field.

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle lines up with Incredible boasting a stellar record. Incredible, winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Calgary, is one of the most in-form combinations in today’s field.

What to Watch For

• Comeback Class: Can Ben Maher complete his return to five-star form with a victory on Faltic HB?
• U.S. Momentum: Kraut, Keenan, and Gochman headline a deep U.S. field chasing home success.
• Repeat Storylines: The last three runners-up: Bluman (2022), Dittmer (2023), Dinan (2024)  all line up again. Could one finally go one better?

Final Word

Data points to a tightly matched field, but with form, speed, and home advantage on their side, the U.S. women are poised to make headlines in Washington. Whether Maher’s class, Kraut’s experience, or Keenan’s precision wins the night, this year’s President’s Cup Grand Prix promises to deliver another thrilling finish under the lights.

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