Summer Classic Gets Underway in Style at Longines Tops International Arena

The opening day of the Summer Classic at Longines Tops International Arena delivered everything fans could have hoped for: world-class sport, glorious summer weather and a fantastic atmosphere from the very first class to the final prize-giving ceremony. Riders and spectators enjoyed a full day of international competition, with packed arenas, exciting performances and plenty of good vibes around the venue.

Competition got underway at 08:00 with the Young Horse class on the iconic grass arena, while the CSI1* 1.35m Grand Prix Qualifier opened the action on the sand arena.

French rider Olivier Perreau made the perfect start to the day by claiming victory in the Young Horse class aboard the talented 7-year-old stallion Jolicoeur des Joanins. Luxembourg's Victor Bettendorf secured second place with Jumbo la Roque, while Perreau returned to the podium in third with Comilla Z.

On the sand arena, the home crowd had plenty to celebrate as the CSI1* 1.35m Grand Prix Qualifier produced an all-Dutch podium. Aniek Diks and Qointreau van 't Hoogeinde took the win with a lightning-fast clear round. Siebe Leemans and Karamella finished just two seconds behind to claim second, while Jackie Schalken completed the podium aboard Miss Sina.

The French national anthem was heard once again after Olivier Perreau guided Celeana des Joanins to victory in the CSI2* 1.40m. Ireland's Denis Lynch finished second with Mr. Newman, while Brazil's Camila Mazza de Benedicto claimed third aboard Carrasco N89 Z.

The CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier belonged to Ireland's Denis Lynch, who delivered an impressive performance with Katja to take top honours. Abdullah Alsharbatly followed closely behind in second with Valentino, while Jessica Springsteen and Cayman de Poteau Z secured third place for the United States.

The grass arena continued to produce spectacular sport throughout the afternoon. In the CSI4* 1.45m, Belgium's Gilles Thomas partnered Happy Landais to victory after another superb round. Jessica Springsteen added another podium finish with Gmail, while Brazil's Eduardo Pereira de Menezes finished third aboard H5 Londontime.

The day's feature class, the CSI4* 1.50m Grand Prix Qualifier, provided a fitting finale to an outstanding first day of competition. Britain's Harry Charles and Bandit proved unbeatable, securing victory ahead of Germany's Daniel Deusser with Bingo Ste Hermelle. Brazil's Felipe Amaral completed the podium with Montissima PS.

Away from the competition arenas, visitors embraced everything the Summer Classic has to offer. With sunshine, lively hospitality areas, great food and drinks, family entertainment and a relaxed festival atmosphere, the opening day showcased why Longines Tops International Arena is one of Europe's premier destinations for equestrian sport.

With many of the world's best riders already in top form, the stage is perfectly set for two exciting days of competition as the Summer Classic continues this weekend.

Click here to view the full results from Friday, 10 July, at the Summer Festival.