Standout Performances at Longines Tops International Arena 2025
The CSI4* 1.50m showdown featured elite riders from around the globe. Dutch contender Kevin Jochems came within a whisper of the top spot, piloting Casquetto van de Helle to a clear round in 73.98 seconds—just 0.12 off the leader. Khaled Almobty of Saudi Arabia continued his strong season, placing third in 75.21 on Davenport VDL.
Also impressing with clean efforts were Belgium’s Koen Vereecke on Oilily de Muze, Gudrun Patteet aboard Sea Coast Chica V.V.Z, Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa riding Major Tom, and Mexico’s Carlos Hank Guerreiro on H5 Origi Horta. American rider Paris Sellon also delivered a stylish faultless round on Drako de Maugre.
CSI2* Action Thrills Valkenswaard Crowd
The CSI2* Small Tour (1.35m) saw another podium finish for Koen Vereecke, this time with Riverflow van’t Ruytershof, clocking 36.63 in the jump-off. Dutch rider Anne van Vulpen was runner-up aboard Hades Des Peupliers in 37.9, just ahead of Germany’s Christoph Könemann on Dreamliner (38.06).
In the 2* Big Tour against-the-clock class, Natalie Dean from the USA edged out the competition with a blazing 64.08-second round on Dotcom d’Authuit. Dutch teenager Yves Willems impressed again, finishing in 66.08 on Highway, while Antoine Ermann of France claimed third on Delirium Zoetendaele Z.
The 2* Medium Tour (1.40m) produced another Valkenswaard highlight as Leopold van Asten and VDL Groep Mistral stormed to victory in 38.62 seconds. Thalessa de Jong and Karan-K van’t Kattenheye Z followed, with Olympic medalist Maikel van der Vleuten placing third aboard Branttastisch HDH.
CSI1*: Rising Stars Shine at Longines Tops International Arena 2025
France’s Baptiste Couperie dominated the CSI1* Grand Prix Qualifier (1.35m) on Honeymoon HDN, crossing the timers in 61.48 seconds. Belgian rider Karen Oris and Dutch contender Journey van Eerd claimed the next two positions with tidy, fast rounds.
In the 1.25m contest, Derin Demirsoy of Turkey posted a searing 28.74-second win aboard Hunter. He bested Rob Heijligers and Thalessa de Jong to round out an exciting CSI1* session. Italy’s Gioia Cremonese was victorious in the 1.15m event with FBW Casaraki, holding off Rosanne Janssen.
CSIYH Classes Highlight Future Talent
Young horse classes saw Brazil’s Yuri Mansur continue his momentum, winning the 6- and 7-year-old round aboard Blitz van de Molenbrug Z in 61.15 seconds. Germany’s Claricia Kendra Brinkop gave chase with Sniper Des Lilas Blancs, followed closely by Leopold van Asten with Notre Dame and Noucha.
Dutch talent Tom Schellekens stayed consistent, placing fifth again with the promising six-year-old ELdoranos C-G Z, proving that youth and quality were abundant in Valkenswaard.
Valkenswaard’s Summer Jewel Shines Again
The Longines Tops International Arena 2025 continues to affirm its global stature not only through flawless event organization but also by drawing the biggest names in showjumping to the Netherlands. As part of the broader Longines Global Champions ecosystem, the Valkenswaard venue has evolved into a breeding ground for high-performance riders, young horses, and equestrian prestige.
Its world-class grass arenas and facilities create ideal conditions for every level of competition—from seasoned CSI4* contenders like Bassem Mohammed to promising six-year-olds looking to make their first international impression. The diversity and depth of talent seen this week underscore the venue’s growing legacy as a year-round European fixture for elite competition.
With more action yet to come, the atmosphere at Valkenswaard remains electric. Enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond are flocking to witness this international spectacle in person or online.
As the Longines Summer Showcase continues, the Longines Tops International Arena 2025 reaffirms its reputation as a global hub for elite equestrian sport. Stay tuned on RaceBuzz International for post-event analysis, results, and more from this prestigious summer showcase.
