Electric opening day of Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival Week 2
July 14, 2023The Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival Week 2 kicked off today in Valkenswaard, marking the beginning of an exhilarating week filled with world-class equestrian competition. Eager spectators, top riders, and renowned horses gathered at the Longines Tops International Arena, setting the stage for a thrilling display of sporting prowess.
The opening day of the Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival Week 2 lived up to its reputation. The atmosphere was electric as spectators were treated to an unforgettable display of the exhilarating competitions.
In addition to the thrilling competitions, the Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival Week 2 also provided an opportunity for spectators to explore a vibrant marketplace featuring a variety of products and services. From bespoke riding gear to exquisite equine artwork, attendees were immersed in a world of equestrian luxury, innovation and entertainment.
The Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival Week 2 will continue over the coming days, promising a spectacular lineup of events and competitions. Spectators can expect to witness breathtaking displays of horsemanship, where riders and horses will push the boundaries of athleticism and finesse.
The qualification for Sunday's Grand Prix, a Two-Phases competition with obstacles up to 1.45m, was won by Ruben Romp with the 11-year-old mare Hanouk V. The 32-year-old rider from Goirle in Brabant rode two nice clear phases in 29.36 seconds. Ruben took part in three European Championships: in 2008 in the Juniors and in 2009 and 2010 in the Young Riders. Second place went to Belgium's Ann Carton-Grootjans with Nox Blue van de Hertogen and Felix Hassmann with Caspian GD came third with a time of 30.53 seconds.
Straight after winning a 1* competition, Dutchman Siebe Leemans continued his win streak. This time in the 2* Two Phases class (1.40m) for which he had saddled the KWPN gelding Kobalt. They delivered a superb clear round in 29.26 seconds. Ireland's Tara Glynn came second with Inschalla C Z as the 24-year-old crossed the finish line in 30.38 seconds. Dutch rider Wout-Jan van der Schans came third with the AES mare A.S. Damascene with a time of 30.44 seconds.
In the Two-Phases (1.35m), the last competition on Friday, Dutchman Siebe Leemans scored a hat-trick. He was at the front of the prize-giving ceremony no fewer than three times today. He managed to win this class with the eight-year-old KWPN mare Karamella. With a super fast time of 27.48 seconds, he relegated Mexican Eduardo Sanchez Navarro, who was in the lead from the start, to second place. Sanchez Navarro rode the gelding Lorenzo across the finish line in 28.71 seconds. Bert Jan van de Pol came third with Harvey. He was just 0.08 seconds slower than the Mexican.
