Speed Takes Centre Stage on Day Two in Valkenswaard

Day two of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard delivered another packed programme of international show jumping at the Longines Tops International Arena, with razor-thin margins, home success and standout performances across the Young Horse, CSI1* and CSI2* classes.

Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf opened the day with victory in the Young Horse speed class for six- and seven-year-olds. After finishing runner-up on Friday, Bettendorf went one better aboard seven-year-old Selle Français gelding Jumbo la Roque (Mylord Carthago N x Untouchable), stopping the clock in 64.11 seconds.

Brazil’s Yuri Mansur and Camo Waldstar Z finished second in 65.49 seconds, while Belgium’s Thibeau Spits and Cute van ’t Vossenhof Z completed the podium in 65.89 seconds. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann finished fourth with Ambassador Z, the highest-placed six-year-old of the class.

One of the closest finishes of the day came in the CSI2* 1.45m Big Tour, where just hundredths of a second separated the leading riders. Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet came out on top with Rebel van 't Zomerhof, producing a lightning-fast clear in 59.88 seconds.

France’s Jeanne Sadran finished just 0.05 seconds behind with Funky Boy des Reves in 59.93 seconds, while compatriot Simon Delestre and Oh Sissi took third in 59.96 seconds. Dutch rider Jur Vrieling finished fifth aboard Grand Slam VDL.

There was home success in the CSI1* speed class, presented by GC TV, as Yoni van Santvoort raced to victory aboard Mainly San Peppy. The Dutch rider from Nuenen stopped the clock in 64.05 seconds to take the top spot.

Friday’s winner Holly Williams continued her strong form, finishing second with Funisa BH in 64.46 seconds. Italy’s Sofia Manzetti and Mckingley completed the top three in 65.62 seconds.

Belgium returned to the top of the leaderboard in the CSI2* 1.40m speed class as Jérôme Guery proved untouchable in a field of 53 combinations. Riding nine-year-old mare Hottonie de Kreisker, Guery set the winning time of 59.77 seconds as the 19th starter and remained unbeaten for the rest of the class.

Harrie Smolders gave the Dutch crowd another strong result, finishing second with For Chacco TN in 60.43 seconds. Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher and Cous Cous 3 claimed third place in 64.12 seconds.

The CSI1* 1.25m, presented by GC TV, produced an all-female podium led by Canada’s Sara Rothstein. After finishing third on Friday, Rothstein went straight to the top aboard Denny Love della Caccia, stopping the clock in 62.01 seconds.

Norway’s Karoline Lien took second for the second day running with Castlefield Jess in 62.86 seconds, while American rider Liza Tittle and Carneol L completed the podium in 63.03 seconds.

The day’s CSI1* action also saw victory for Belgium’s Valerie Blommaert in the 1.15m speed class. Riding eight-year-old mare Gina Z, Blommaert produced a sharp round in 53.02 seconds to deny Switzerland’s Peter Aregger, who had held the lead from the opening round with Erlita de Galeste in 53.77 seconds.

Third place was shared by Sara Rothstein and American rider Alexandra Crown after both stopped the clock in exactly 55.48 seconds. For Rothstein, it capped off an excellent day following her earlier victory in the 1.25m.

With winners from Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Canada, Day 2 once again showcased the international strength of the field in Valkenswaard. The margins were tight, the pace was high and the competition continues to build towards another action-packed day at the Longines Tops International Arena.