Mansur and Vitiki Complete Remarkable Comeback with Emotional Valkenswaard Grand Prix Win

Yuri Mansur and Vitiki delivered one of the most emotional victories of the season on Sunday, claiming the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard in front of packed grandstands at the Longines Tops International Arena.

Eight combinations advanced to the jump-off, but it was the Brazilian rider who produced the decisive round. Mansur attacked from the opening stride aboard Vitiki, stopping the clock clear in a blistering 37.27 seconds.

Belgium’s Pieter Devos came closest to catching him, finishing just 0.70 seconds behind with Casual DV Z in 37.97 seconds. Fellow Belgian Annelies Vorsselmans completed the podium with Trezeguet after a faultless round in 38.85 seconds.

For Mansur, the victory carried significance far beyond the result. It marked both his first Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix victory and Vitiki’s first 5* Grand Prix win, following a remarkable journey back to the highest level of the sport.

“I’ve had so many good chances and could never finish the job… finally!” an emotional Mansur said after the win. “Especially with my favourite horse, it is even more special.”

The victory also earned Mansur a coveted ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix.

The opening round had already shown just how demanding the Valkenswaard course would be. Reigning champions Harrie Smolders and Monaco finished with four faults, as did Championship leader Abdel Saïd, Edwina Tops-Alexander and Dutch star Maikel van der Vleuten.

Only eight combinations managed to keep a clean sheet and return for the jump-off.

Christian Ahlmann was first to attack aboard Untouched LB and set a rapid 38.74 seconds, but a rail at the final fence opened the door. Vorsselmans then produced the first double clear before Mansur and Vitiki entered the arena and raised the bar dramatically.

Their 37.27-second round immediately put the pressure on those still to come. Olivier Philippaerts and Arne van Heel both jumped clear but could not match the pace, leaving Pieter Devos as the final challenger.

Devos threw everything at the course aboard Casual DV Z and crossed the finish clear in 37.97 seconds. It was enough for second place, but not enough to deny Mansur.

The result sparked an emotional celebration as Mansur stood alongside Vitiki at the top of the podium.

With Valkenswaard marking the 11th leg of the season, the Championship battle also continues to tighten. Abdel Saïd remains in front with 206 points, followed by Christian Ahlmann on 182 and Edwina Tops-Alexander on 181.

But on Sunday, the spotlight belonged firmly to Mansur and Vitiki — a partnership whose resilience, comeback and determination culminated in an unforgettable Grand Prix victory at the Home of Show Jumping.