IN REVIEW: Summer Festival 2
July 20, 2023It was another thrilling weekend of top sport in the heart of Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, during Summer Festival 2, which took place July 14-16 at the world-famous Longines Tops International Arena.
Bridging modern, cutting-edge design with a dedication to thoughtful hospitality for exhibitors and spectators, alike, Longines Tops International Arena’s Summer 2 lived up to expectations. Once again, the lineup of CSI2*, CSI1*, and CSIYH classes offered something for every participant, with a host of world-class names on the start list, including Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX), Jana Wargers (GER), and many more.
Classes took place inside Longines Tops International Arena’s sprawling 125m by 85m grass arena, as well as multiple sand rings. Spectators took in the views from beneath the state-of-the-art grandstand, enjoying their time between classes at the plethora of shopping boutiques and global dining stalls along the buzzing Place du Concours.
On Friday, June 14, the headline event was the 1.45m two-phase competition and qualifier for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The day belonged to 32-year-old Dutch rider Ruben Romp aboard the 11-year-old KWPN mare Hanouk V. The up-and-coming Romp—who has competed at European Championships in the Junior and Young Rider divisions—stopped the clock at 29.36 seconds. Belgium's Ann Carton-Grootjans took a close second with Nox Blue van de Hertogen (29.98 seconds); Felix Hassmann of Germany and Caspian GD took third (30.53 seconds).
Hassmann was in top form again on Saturday, June 15, however; claiming the biggest class of the day in the 1.45m competition against the clock, another qualifier for Sunday’s CSI 2* Grand Prix. This time, Hassmann’s partner was the 11-year-old OS gelding, GSI Pit Perigueux, who sped to the win nearly two seconds ahead of Belgium's Leonie Peeters and Tinkoucha Hero Z. Friday’s victor, Ruben Romp—again aboard Hanouk V—took third.
Finally, on Sunday, June 16, a challenging 1.45m track in the CSI 2* Grand Prix saw only eight of the 59 international horse-and-rider combinations punch their tickets to the jump-off round. Though the first three competitors dropped rails on the shortened course, Irish rider Jack Ryan became the clear-round pathfinder aboard Catch-Me van Berkenbroeck. Ryan’s time of 45.63 seconds held until Faleh Suwead Al Ajami of Qatar crossed the finish line on 43.44 seconds with Victoria, taking over the lead. But the winning round would ultimately go to Belgium’s Catherine van Roosbroeck and Miles, on a blazing-fast 41.50 seconds.
After one week off, Longines Tops International Arena will kick-off the final event in its three-week circuit with the Summer Festival 3 Finale, July 28-30 in Valkenswaard. We’ll see you there!
