The CSIO4* 1.60m Grand Prix in Sopot, Poland, delivered a masterclass in top-tier showjumping, testing some of the world's finest combinations through a demanding two-round format. While many fell victim to the course’s technical questions, it was Ireland’s Billy Twomey who ultimately stole the spotlight, securing a brilliant victory in a high-stakes final showdown.
Irish rider Billy Twomey produced a magnificent performance aboard the highly talented ten-year-old Zangersheide stallion Ace of Hearts Z (by Action-Breaker x Ocieni R by Labor's VDL Indorado). After jumping a flawless, clear first round in 76.32 seconds, the pair returned for the second round with laser focus. They stopped the clock in a blistering 41.62 seconds, maintaining a clean slate to comfortably secure the top spot on the podium. The victory is a massive testament to the breeding program of E. Machon, who bred this rising grey superstar.
Italy’s Roberto Previtali provided the closest challenge. Riding the twelve-year-old Hanoverian stallion Quirinus 27 (by Quality Time TN x Baloubueska by Balou du Rouet), bred by Marcell Müller, Previtali delivered a wonderfully executed double-clear. However, his second-round time of 42.63 seconds was just over a second shy of Twomey’s pace, earning him a very respectable second place.
Portugal’s Ricardo Benzinho Karle Da Costa wrapped up the podium line-up. Partnering with the eleven-year-old KWPN gelding Kirocco (by VDL Zirocco Blue x Evy Van De Elsakker by Cardento 933), bred by H. Rooijakkers, the Portuguese rider also pulled off an admirable double-clear performance, stopping the timers in 43.05 seconds to claim third.
Strong Showings in the Top Five
Just outside of the podium positions, Colombia’s Marco Antonio Peixoto Ferreira Filho secured fourth place. He piloted the fourteen-year-old Zangersheide gelding Everest V't Hof V Eversem Z (by Epleaser Van T Heike x Folie Van't Hof Van Eversem by Concreto; bred by Maes) to the final double-clear of the class, crossing the beam in 44.35 seconds.
Great Britain’s Jodie Hall McAteer rounded out the top five with the ten-year-old KWPN mare La Gupardie (by Van Gogh x Gupardie.2 by Carrera VDL; bred by F. van de Linden). The British combination picked up a single, agonizing time penalty in the opening round but bounced back beautifully to jump clear in the second round, finishing on a total score of 1 penalty point in 45.67 seconds.
