A World-Class Field Falls Short
It wasn’t just the win, but the quality of those behind him that underlined Wachman’s achievement. Dutchman Niels Kersten posted a competitive 66.04 aboard Rose of Ballmore for third, just ahead of Brazilian legend Rodrigo Pessoa and Dhalida (66.06). Fellow Dutch talent Mathijs van Asten rounded out the top five with Hotspot in 66.39 seconds.
Further back in the tightly-packed top ten were some of the sport’s most respected names: Yuri Mansur, Simon Delestre, and Kevin Jochems, all jumping clean but unable to match Wachman’s daring pace.
Setting the Scene for a Thrilling Weekend
With margins razor-thin and the roster loaded with champions, the weekend in Valkenswaard promises explosive competition. Riders and horses alike are finding their rhythm on one of Europe’s most technical and beautiful courses. Stay tuned as we continue our Longines Grand Prix weekend coverage.
Pessoa Reigns in CSI2* Big Tour
The Brazilian master Rodrigo Pessoa proved he’s far from done, taking the CSI2* Big Tour qualifier aboard his elegant 11-year-old mare (Vigo Cece x Ogano Sitte). Crossing the timers in 63.31 seconds, he left American Natalie Dean (63.67 aboard Dotcom d’Authuit) trailing just behind. Eduardo Sanchez Navarro secured third on Gradje O in 65.42 seconds.
Local Heroes Shine in Medium and Small Tours
Dutch rider Manon Hees flew home in 26.34 seconds aboard Prinses van het Keizershof to capture the 1.40m Medium Tour. She led compatriot Yves Willems (27.80s) and New Yorker Alexandra Crown (27.92s) in a class full of flair and finesse.
Meanwhile, Tom Schellekens stole the show in the 2* Small Tour with Optima vd Bisschop, clocking 31.23 seconds to beat Belgium’s Koen Vereecke and Mexico’s Enrique Gonzalez.
Youth in Focus: CSIYH & CSI1*
Schellekens had earlier dominated the young horse class with the speedy Nala van de Zietfort, a mare with winning DNA and form in Valkenswaard, topping the leaderboard in 27.44 seconds. Close behind was top Dutch rider Leopold van Asten on VDL Groep Noucha, and Germany’s Claricia Kendra Brinkop finished third aboard Sniper Des Lilas Blancs.
In the 1* ranks, Kuwaiti rider Abdulrahman Al Fuzae was quickest over 1.35m, finishing in 58.1 seconds with Gijsbrand. Belgium’s Helena Beyers and Dutch local Cecile Klaassen followed. Sweden’s Alma Ranebo captured the 1.20m class in impressive style, once again proving that Valkenswaard’s stages give rising stars a global spotlight.
Wachman Wows, and the Story Unfolds
As the dust settles from day one, all eyes remain on the Wachman Wows narrative. With Grand Prix qualifiers and championship ambitions on the horizon, Valkenswaard is once again the epicenter of elite showjumping. For continued updates on this and more, explore our news articles on all international race venues across the globe and special coverage on Showjumping at RaceBuzz. Besides you can also check daily race cards, results, upcoming race schedules (specially from all Indian race courses) on our homepage racebuzz.com along with special reports on all the events from horse racing world.
