Hinners Takes CSI4* Grand Prix Honours as Summer Showcase Concludes at Longines Tops International Arena

The Summer Showcase came to a spectacular conclusion on Sunday at Longines Tops International Arena, with three Grand Prix titles decided alongside the CSIYH Final and a full programme of international competition. Riders from around the world delivered top-class performances throughout the day, bringing another successful week of sport in Valkenswaard to a memorable close.

Sophie Hinners Continues Outstanding Weekend with CSI4* Grand Prix Victory

Germany's Sophie Hinners rounded off an exceptional Summer Showcase by winning the CSI4* 1.55m Grand Prix aboard Iron Dames Kaleni Jo. Having already featured prominently throughout the weekend, Hinners once again rose to the occasion, producing two faultless rounds before stopping the clock in 43.44 seconds to claim the feature class.

The Grand Prix proved a true test, with 12 combinations jumping clear in the opening round to keep their hopes of victory alive.  Five combinations ultimately completed the competition on double clear, with Hinners proving untouchable against the clock.

Home favourite Edwina Tops-Alexander delighted the crowd with a superb double clear aboard Caetlin vd Heffinck Z, finishing second in 45.18 seconds. 

Brazilian Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa continued his excellent form in Valkenswaard, guiding Major Tom to third in 45.26 seconds, adding another podium finish after winning the CSI4* Grand Prix during the Summer Classic earlier this month. 

France's Antoine Ermann and Jiamo VDS claimed fourth, while Germany's Daniel Deusser, Friday's CSI4* 1.50m Grand Prix Qualifier winner, completed the top five aboard Otello vd Guldenboom.

Van Asten Victorious in CSI2* Grand Prix

Dutch rider Leopold van Asten secured victory in the CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix with VDL Groep Kwienbellie after a fast and accurate jump-off, crossing the finish line in 38.69 seconds.

Belgium's Koen Vereecke finished second aboard Riverflow van 't Ruytershof, while Nicola Philippaerts completed the podium with Cornethagos PS, as all three riders produced double-clear performances.

Devos Claims CSI1* Grand Prix

Belgium's Pieter Devos added another international victory to his weekend by winning the CSI1* 1.35m Grand Prix aboard Alice du Poteau Z. A quick jump-off in 34.88 seconds proved enough for the win.

Kuwait's Saad Alajmi and Corisha del Maset secured second place, while Spain's Federica Fernandez and Cador Rubin completed the top three.

Young Horses Impress in CSIYH Final

The CSIYH Final once again showcased the sport's future stars. Ireland's Caelinn Leahy partnered the seven-year-old My Secret Z to victory with a polished double-clear performance in 37.89 seconds.

Belgium's Guy Beyers finished second aboard six-year-old Upton vd Bisschop Z, while Maria Madenova and Attityd completed the podium after another impressive performance.

Sunday Success Across the Arenas

Earlier in the day, Koen Vereecke added another victory to his successful weekend by winning the CSI2* 1.40m aboard Oilily de Muze. Rodrigo Pessoa followed in second with Giorgio d'Ellipse, while Dutch rider Siebe Leemans claimed third aboard Pippa Blue Z.

The CSI4* 1.45m belonged to Sophie Hinners, who celebrated a second international victory on Sunday aboard Michael Jackson W. Mel Thijssen finished second with Rintintin d'Esprit, while Leopold van Asten completed the podium aboard VDL Groep Leopold.

The Next Generation Takes Centre Stage

The Showclass competitions once again proved to be a highlight of the weekend, offering young riders the unique opportunity to compete on the international stage alongside their parents and some of the sport's biggest names. The future of show jumping was on full display, with Mili Galuskova dominating the competition, Louna Delestre continuing her strong form throughout the weekend, and Chloe Tops remaining unbeaten by claiming victory on both competition days.

With Grand Prix titles awarded across every level, exciting young horse competition and another weekend of world-class sport, the Summer Showcase once again demonstrated the strength and depth of competition at Longines Tops International Arena. Attention now turns to the Longines Global Future Champions, where the world's leading young riders will take centre stage in Valkenswaard next week.