SPORTS REPORT - DAY 1 LGCT VALKENSWAARD
August 22, 2025CSIYH
On the opening day of the Longines Global Champions Tour in Valkenswaard at the Longines Tops International Arena, the first victory went to none other than American top rider Laura Kraut. The Olympic team silver medalist from Paris claimed the Young Horses class – a speed competition – riding her promising seven-year-old gelding Specialstar (ISH, Big Star x Ramiro B) in a fast time of 31.85 seconds.
Second place went to Belgian rider Steven Vermeir, who piloted his seven-year-old mare Crazy Music Royal Z (Zang, Clarimo ASK x Vigo d’Arsouilles) to a time of 33.51 seconds. This pair has already celebrated several victories in Lier and Bonheiden.
Third place was taken by South Africa’s Oliver Lazarus, riding the seven-year-old stallion Jansen (SWB, Million Dollar x Nintender). The title of best six-year-old horse went to the KWPN stallion On The Spot (Diamant de Semilly x Cornet Obolensky), ridden by Dutchman Willem Greve, who finished in ninth place.
CSI2*
The CSI2* Big Tour against the clock attracted no fewer than 93 competitors and offered the audience a beautiful course with colorful fences. The battle for victory was fierce, but Dutch rider Willem Greve proved unbeatable. The 42-year-old top rider from Markelo convincingly secured the win with Poker de Mariposa TN (BWP, Nabab de Rêve x Berlin). The pair stopped the clock at a lightning-fast 53.17 seconds. Greve, however, did not stop there—he also claimed second place with the ten-year-old mare Candy Luck Z (Zangersheide, Comme Il Faut x Canturo). Their time of 53.44 seconds was only slightly slower than his winning round.
Greve has only been riding Candy Luck Z since July, yet he has already achieved notable results with her, including two fourth places in Valkenswaard a few weeks ago. Third place went to Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano, who rode Esteban de Hus (SF, Cornet Obolensky x Baloubet du Rouet) to a time of 54.38 seconds.
With this one-two finish, Willem Greve once again underlined his class and strong form on the international show jumping circuit.
The CSI2* Medium Tour featured a Two Phases course. Out of 69 combinations at the start, 29 pairs managed to remain double clear.
Victory went to German top rider Hans-Dieter Dreher, who set the fastest time in the second phase: 26.60 seconds. The 53-year-old veteran rode the 8-year-old Harley de la Cense (SF, Andiamo Semilly x Calvaro F.C.), with whom he has already achieved several strong results this season.
Second place was claimed by Antoine Ermann of France, riding Delirium Zoetendaele Z (Zangersheide, Diamant de Semilly x Der Senaat 111). Known for his quick rounds, he confirmed his form with a time of 26.84 seconds, adding another fine result after a successful season in Valkenswaard.
Third place went to Qatar’s Mohammed Khalifa A Al Baker, who piloted the 8-year-old stallion Dukhan 3 (OS, Toulon x Quo Vadis) to a double clear in 27.80 seconds, securing a podium finish.
The Small Tour 1.35m Two Phases class saw 41 combinations at the start, with 22 riders producing double clear rounds. Victory went to Belgium’s Zoe Conter riding the seven-year-old gelding Dinkytoy Pommex Z (SF, Dominator 2000 Z x Grosso Z). The daughter of Stefan Conter of Stephex Stables in Wolvertem secured the win with an impressive second phase time of 25.44 seconds. In doing so, she left behind some very big names, including Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk, Gilles Thomas, and Scott Brash. At just 26 years old, Conter already boasts several highlights in her career, such as two team silver medals at the European Young Riders Championships in 2019 and 2017, and team gold at the Junior European Championships in 2016.
Second place went to Dutch rider Kevin Jochems with Hey Boy Up Ly (SF, Canturo x Quality Bois Margot). The 30-year-old, based in Lille, Belgium, crossed the finish line in 26.10 seconds. In third was fellow Dutch rider Thalessa de Jong. With the 11-year-old mare L’Alize Z (Zangersheide, L’Arc de Triomphe x Quattro B), she posted a clear round in 27.28 seconds, securing her spot on the podium.
CSI1*
The CSI1* against the clock (1.35m) class delivered a thrilling competition, with the top riders finishing only fractions of a second apart. With the top five riders finishing extremely close together, the class offered great excitement for the many spectators in Valkenswaard.
Victory went to 21-year-old Saad Ahmed S A Al Saad from Qatar. Riding his ten-year-old mare Fashion des Douits (SF, Adzara de l’Abbeye B x Cajoleur V), he produced a faultless round in 57.03 seconds. Al Saad is no stranger to success: in 2022 he finished fourth both individually and with the team at the Youth Equestrian Games in Aachen. Just three weeks ago, he also claimed a win in Valkenswaard with Gary de Cerisy.
Second place went to 23-year-old Mohamed Sultan Al Yahyai from the United Arab Emirates. With his experienced thirteen-year-old gelding Cyr du Fraigneau (SF, Tinka’s Boy x Sioux de Baugy), he stopped the clock in 57.40 seconds, only narrowly missing out on the win. In third place was Belgium’s Sylvie Morrier riding Jet Set du Beaumont (BWP, Domino de Moyon x Skippy II), finishing in 57.99 seconds. Morrier made her first international start with Jet Set back in April 2017 in Lanaken.
The CSI1 1.20m two phases* class featured a strong field of 50 combinations. No fewer than 30 riders managed to stay clear in both phases, which led to an exciting battle for the podium.
Victory went to 16-year-old Suhaim Hamad Al Yafei from Qatar. Riding the ten-year-old chestnut gelding Fun d’Elle (SF, Maloubet de Pleville x Kannan), he delivered a flawless performance and stopped the clock at 30.01 seconds to claim the win. His compatriot, 17-year-old Mohammed Jassim A J Al Thani, completed the Qatari success story by taking second place. With Hazel de Luxe (Holsteiner, Cascadello x Cash and Carry), he finished in 30.90 secondsThe duo also competed in Valkenswaard three weeks ago.
Third place went to Tolga Cömertoglu from Turkey. Together with the 16-year-old stallion Everdi (KWPN, Verdi TN x San Patrignano Cassini), he also delivered a double clear round to secure a spot on the podium. This class not only showcased thrilling sport, but also highlighted the emerging talent of young riders already making their mark on the international stage.
In the CSI1* Two Phases class at 1.10m level, 19 combinations lined up at the start. Out of them, 6 pairs managed to produce a double clear.
The victory went to young rider Ayesha Saeed Al Ghurair from the United Arab Emirates. Riding her 13-year-old gelding Visible Z (Zangersheide, Vleut x Adagio IV), she delivered a flawless and fast round. With a time of 30.27 seconds, the 13-year-old rider impressively secured the win at such a young age.
Second place went to Qatar’s Abdul Aziz Jassim A J Al Thani, who will turn 13 in September. He guided the mare Gabbana M to a clear performance in 31.03 seconds. Completing the podium was American rider Piper Kulkin. With Facelia du Jaolas (SF, Upsilon x Trésor de Virton), the 16-year-old showed her talent and took third place. She only made her international debut last month in Williamsburg, USA.
