Highlights from Day One at Longines Global Future Champions
The 2025 edition of the Longines Global Future Champions, presented by Lami-Cell, opened with a dazzling display of showjumping excellence at the Longines Tops International Arena. American prodigy Ansgar Holtgers Jr. delivered a headline-grabbing performance in the CSI4 1.50m Table A* class, edging out a field of international stars with a flawless and lightning-fast round aboard Kantibes. Riders from around the world gathered for the Longines Global Future Champions, setting the tone for a high-caliber weekend.
Stopping the clock in 63.93 seconds, Holtgers Jr. set the bar high on day one, sealing a sensational win in the final event of the day. Close behind was Germany’s Daniel Deusser with Killer Queen VDM (65.35s), followed by Laura Kraut of the United States aboard Tres Bien Z (65.48s).
The top six was rounded out by Belgium’s Jérôme Guery (Careca LS Elite, 65.51s), Abdulrahman Alrajhi (Heartbeat W, 66.02s), and Gerfried Puck on Idiaal Special H.J. (66.29s).
This commanding finish by Holtgers Jr. marked the culmination of a dramatic opening day, as the event set the stage for a thrilling weekend featuring rising stars and seasoned champions. With several categories on offer, the Longines Global Future Champions promises to be a proving ground for future showjumping legends.
Sergio Alvarez Moya Claims First CSI4* Class of the Weekend
Earlier in the day, Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya claimed top honors in the first CSI4* 1.45m two-phase class with Kannan S Touch PS. His sharp second-phase time of 26.56 seconds remained unbeaten, despite fierce competition from world no. 3 Henrik von Eckermann (Qasirah van de Reistenhoek, 26.71s) and Giampiero Garofalo (Mont Rose HX, 27.00s).
Kevin Staut, Jérôme Guery, and Michael Greeve rounded out the top six, all delivering double clears within striking distance.
Gilles Thomas Triumphs in CSI2* 1.45m
Belgium’s Gilles Thomas, a European bronze medalist, secured a win in the CSI2* 1.45m speed class with Feromas van Beek Z. Clocking 65.55 seconds, Thomas outpaced Jeanne Sadran (Funky Boy des Reves, 66.24s) and Antoine Ermann (Gamine d’Oscine, 67.02s).
The class saw tight margins throughout, highlighting the calibre of talent across both youth and senior divisions.
Young Rider Class: Sultan Salem Al Naemi Sets the Pace
Qatar’s Sultan Salem Al Naemi made his mark in the Young Rider category, piloting Cethys de Vernay to a time of 28.20 seconds, the fastest among 14 double clears. Germany’s Charlotte Höing (Caboom 3) and Nick Armbruster (Isodermus PP) completed the podium.
Just fractions behind, Louise Sadran, Kristina Klebanova, and Hussain Alkharafi showcased clean, sharp rounds, promising more fireworks as the weekend progresses.
Junior Divisions: Kooremans, Al Yafei Lead the Charge
Newly crowned European Children’s Champion Lieselot Kooremans continued her winning streak by topping the Junior 1.35m speed class with Lola-Jay ES in 64.66 seconds. Dutch teammate Yoni van Santvoort placed second with Mainly San Peppy, followed by Haya Khalid A E Al Hitmi (Hustique) in third.
In the Junior 1.20m Two-Phase, Qatar’s Suhaim Hamad Al Yafei impressed again, this time with Gamin Raye, clocking a blistering 23.93 seconds for the win.
Children’s & Pony Stars Shine
Laura Zébier (BEL) claimed her first international win in the Children 1.20m class with La Coco 4, while Dutch rider Charlène Baan stole the 1.10m Pony Two Phase aboard Easter Ivy BB Z.
In the higher pony height class (1.25m), Lieselot Kooremans returned to the winner’s circle with Elando van de Roshoeve, narrowly ahead of Elise van Regenmortel and Jordan Scherbakov.
Ali Hussain Alnowais Doubles Up in CSI2* Divisions
UAE’s Ali Hussain Alnowais secured two CSI2* wins—first in the 1.25m Two-Phase with Narcos vd Smidshoeve (26.46s), and then again in the 1.15m class with Fun d’Elle (29.00s). His consistency and speed reinforced his reputation as one of the circuit’s sharpest riders.
Ilse Vedder and Gudrun Patteet finished second and third respectively in the 1.15m competition.
To explore more about the Longines Global Future Champions and upcoming events, head over to the official event website: https://www.longinestopsinternationalarena.com
For more updates and insights from the world of worlwide news, visit our dedicated Internationl section.
Missed LGCT Paris 2025? Read our full report and results here: https://racebuzz.com/lgct-paris-2025-results/
