Valkenswaard, Netherlands witnessed a strong opening to the 2026 Longines Tops International Arena Summer Classic as an international line-up of riders and horses gathered for the first day of competition. The CSI4* 1.50m speed class produced a high-quality contest, with leading names from across the world separated by fractions of a second on the clock.
Longines Tops International Arena Summer Classic 2026 delivered a memorable opening day of international show jumping.
Britain’s Harry Charles made an immediate impact in the feature CSI4* class, guiding Bandit to a precise and rapid clear round in 60.40 seconds. The performance secured the opening international victory of the Summer Classic and set the standard for a weekend expected to attract some of the sport’s biggest names.
Germany’s Daniel Deusser finished close behind with Bingo Ste Hermelle, producing another faultless effort in 62.91 seconds to claim second place. Brazil’s Felipe Amaral completed the podium aboard Montissima PS after stopping the clock at 63.70 seconds.
South Africa’s Charlie Bays continued a strong afternoon with Ninety Stone Pullman, securing fourth place with a clear round in 64.82 seconds. Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf followed in fifth with Gibbs Un Prince, finishing just behind in 64.91 seconds.
France’s Olivier Perreau added another strong result to his day aboard Leopard des Joanins Z, taking sixth place in 66.06 seconds. Monaco’s Anastasia Nielsen finished seventh with Dark Chocolate 48, while Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa placed eighth with Major Tom after another composed clear round.
American rider Eve Jobs and Key West secured ninth place, followed by France’s Robinson Maupilier with Irish Coffee, who completed the top ten.
Several riders narrowly missed out on top positions despite delivering clear rounds, highlighting the depth of competition at Valkenswaard. Edwina Tops-Alexander with Fellow Castlefield, Nina Mallevaey aboard My Clementine, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann with Van Tastic, and Bas Moerings riding Ipsthar were among those who produced competitive performances.
The opening day also featured success for Ireland’s Denis Lynch, who claimed victory in the Big Tour competition. Riding Katja, the experienced campaigner delivered a fast and faultless round in 58.15 seconds. Abdullah Alsharbatly of Saudi Arabia finished second with Valentino, while American rider Jessica Springsteen took third aboard Cayman de Poteau Z.
The CSI2* Medium Tour saw France’s Olivier Perreau continue his impressive form. Riding Celeana des Joanins Z, Perreau produced the fastest clear round in 28.03 seconds to secure the win. Denis Lynch finished runner-up with Mr Newman, while Brazil’s Camila Mazza de Benedicto completed the podium with Carrasco N89 Z.
In the CSI2* Small Tour, Monaco’s Iñigo Lopez De La Osa Franco secured victory with Desiree E Z. The young rider held the lead after posting a winning time of 32.01 seconds. Qatar’s Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi came within a fraction of the winning mark with Isis, while Sweden’s Erika Lickhammer-Van Helmond finished third aboard Vanessa VHL.
The CSI1* competitions also produced international winners. Australia’s Christella Tang claimed the 1.20m class with Let It Be after a faultless round in 33.45 seconds. Ireland’s Denis Lynch finished second with Anchorman 5, while Dutch rider Tim ten Berg took third with Donna Libera.
The 1.10m class belonged to Dutch rider Rosanne Janssen, who partnered Caprice K Z to victory in 34.74 seconds. Tim ten Berg added another podium finish by taking second place with Edgar 50, while Bobbi Hulsenbeck completed an all-Dutch top three with Unzip d’Ick.
The Young Horses competition saw Olivier Perreau make a significant impact, winning the seven-year-old category with Jolicoeur des Joanins in 27.53 seconds. Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf finished second aboard Jumbo la Roque, while Perreau also secured third place with Comilla Z. Among the six-year-olds, Spain’s José Fumero Hernandez impressed aboard Diamant de Chalina.
Beyond the competition arena, the opening day at the Longines Tops International Arena Summer Classic offered spectators a complete sporting experience with hospitality areas, entertainment and family activities adding to the atmosphere. The event once again showcased Valkenswaard’s reputation as a premier destination for international show jumping.
With the first winners now established, attention turns to the remaining days of competition as riders continue their pursuit of success at one of Europe’s leading summer equestrian events.
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