Gilles Thomas Strikes in CSI4* 1.50m Thriller as Grand Prix Finale Looms
With the Grand Prix Finale on the horizon, the Longines Global Future Champions presented by Lami-Cell erupted into high gear on day two, treating fans to a fiercely competitive CSI4* 1.50m Against the Clock. It was a class where precision met pace, and the margins couldn’t have been tighter.
Belgium’s Gilles Thomas stole the spotlight aboard the striking grey Chuck Marienshof Z (Colestus x Emerald), clocking a superb 72.00 seconds to fend off the rest of a world-class field. The victory not only marked Thomas’s first major win of the weekend, it served as a bold statement of intent heading into the event’s marquee showdown.
Dutch ace Harrie Smolders wasn’t far behind. Piloting Devino vd Weretherbach Z (De Flor 111 Z), he delivered a masterclass in rhythm and control, stopping the clock at 72.25. Germany’s Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and her talented mare Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre (Baloubet du Rouet) followed just behind at 72.72.
Elite Field Builds Steam for the Grand Prix Finale
Touted contenders Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x For Pleasure) produced a stylish 73.49-second effort to finish fourth. Michael Greeve and Malito (Malito de Rêves x Heartbreaker) followed in 75.01, with Chile’s Jorge Matte Capdevila claiming sixth aboard Equine America It’s Me des Saules.
With top bloodlines—Emerald, Baloubet du Rouet, For Pleasure, and Heartbreaker, represented across the board, the event crackled with raw equestrian quality. As riders turn their focus to the upcoming Grand Prix Finale, expectations have soared.
Young Riders Light Up 1.45m as Anni Hjerpe Leads the Charge
In the Young Rider 1.45m Against the Clock, Anni Hjerpe of Finland showcased composure beyond her years. Guiding the seasoned Callboy (Caleandro x Metropole), she delivered a foot-perfect clear in 70.47 seconds—enough to leave rivals in her wake.
Germany’s Theresa Kröninger and Hummer-N (Quasimodo Z) settled for second in 74.48 seconds, while Kuwaiti rider Hussain Alkharafi took third with GK C’est Un Rêve (Comme Il Faut).
Consistency in a Challenging Format
The depth of talent continued to impress: Kristina Klebanova of Monaco (with Diamanda 4), Sweden’s Mathilda Hansson (Dyneine de Lilau), and Belgium’s Jef Peeters (Olina van ’t Ruytershof) completed the top six. These performances suggest fireworks to come as the Grand Prix Finale draws near.
CSI2* 1.30m: Raijmakers Jr. Takes Top Spot
Earlier in the day, the CSI2* 1.30m provided a spectacle of speed and precision. Out of 59 entries, a staggering 41 advanced to the jump-off, and 34 went double clear, turning the heat up on the clock.
Dutch veteran Piet Raijmakers Jr. emerged as the fastest, guiding Van Schijndel’s Olaya Z (Ogano Sitte x Concorde) to a blistering 26.73-second finish. UAE’s Ali Hussain Alnowais and Narcos van de Smidshoeve came second in 28.08, while Australia’s Georgina Harvey Lazarus rode Butterfly Ennemmel into third at 28.69.
Junior Riders Impress in 1.20m
Kuwait’s Amer H Alshatti captured the Junior 1.20m with a slick 33.51-second performance on Horizon du Galopin (Ogrion de Champs HN x Tic Tac d’Elle). The podium also featured Qatar’s Mohammed Jassim A J Al Thani and Great Britain’s Ruby Payne, the latter building on her 2023 European team bronze.
Local Dutch hope Joelle Muijres impressed with a fourth-place finish aboard Kobalt Expres WS.
Children’s Class: Bézier Doubles Up
Belgium’s Laura Bézier stamped her authority in the 1.20m Children Against the Clock class, securing back-to-back wins with the reliable La Coco 4 (Lordanos x Quidam’s Rubin) in 58.78 seconds.
Reigning European Champion Lieselot Kooremans came second on Nini van HD, while France’s Mhya Wilson Mille took third with A La Miss de Busseol.
Pony Power: Wicks, Ost, and Kooremans Shine
Great Britain’s Abigail Wicks delivered in the 1.10m pony class, setting the tone aboard Zodianne van Doevenbree. Germany’s Liona Ost took the 1.15m with Sietlands Gustav, and the 1.25m belonged to the Netherlands’ Lieselot Kooremans on Elando van de Roshoeve—adding yet another feather to her already glittering cap.
Setting the Stage for Sunday’s Showdown
As Valkenswaard braces for the Grand Prix Finale, every division has offered up thrills, surprises, and championship-caliber sport. Riders are battle-tested. Courses are unforgiving. One explosive day remains at the Longines Tops International Arena and everything’s on the line.
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