There are victories that are felt as much as they are celebrated, and for Gilles Thomas, Sunday’s triumph in Rome was one of those rare, electric moments. At just 27, the Belgian rider has not only claimed the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Championship but has done so in record time, securing the title with two stages still left to run.
From the first fences in Shanghai to the glowing arenas of St. Tropez, Paris, and Rome, Thomas has ridden with a composure and precision that belies his age. His journey this season has been less about fleeting brilliance and more about consistent mastery, blending skill, patience, and a remarkable rapport with his mounts.
The season opened with promise in Shanghai, where Thomas and Luna van het Dennehof finished a commendable second in the LGCT Grand Prix. St. Tropez followed, with a strong fourth-place finish aboard Qalista DN, but the breakthrough arrived in Paris. There, atop Ermitage Kalone, Thomas delivered a sublime round that captured the imagination of the show jumping world beneath the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.
Momentum carried him onward. Back in Valkenswaard, he secured third place with Qalista DN before conquering the New York skyline with another unforgettable Grand Prix victory. By the time the tour reached Rome, Thomas’ rhythm was undeniable. A second-place finish with Qalista DN there was enough to seal the Championship crown, an achievement that underscores not just his talent but his strategic brilliance and resilience.
Thomas’ success this year has not rested on a single horse but rather a team of champions. Qalista DN, Ermitage Kalone, and Luna van het Dennehof each played a crucial part, highlighting Thomas’ ability to nurture and command multiple elite horses at once. Managing three top-level mounts in a season of such intensity is a testament to his horsemanship, and it is a skill that sets him apart from the competition.
Reflecting on the moment in Rome, Thomas was characteristically humble yet inspired: “Getting this armband quite early in the season? Maybe it gave me some wings,” he said. “I was very motivated and focused on every LGCT Grand Prix, and I liked the pressure of being the leading rider—it means everything to win it.”
Through a season marked by poise, partnership, and unerring focus, Gilles Thomas has not only secured his name in the record books but has also earned the admiration of the equestrian world. His 2025 LGCT Championship stands as a symbol of dedication, skill, and the extraordinary bond between rider and horse.
Read the full story of Gilles Thomas’ historic win on RaceBuzz.
