After securing pole position following the second qualifier, it was a Veni Vidi Vici moment for Gilles Thomas. The 26-year-old rider successfully defended his title as Belgian Champion on the legendary grounds of Zangersheide in Lanaken. Afterwards, he, along with silver and bronze medalists Nathan Budd and Rik Hemeryck, shared their initial reactions to this incredible Championship.
The newly crowned Belgian Champion, Gilles Thomas, delivered an exceptional performance by winning the title for the second consecutive year, this time with Luna van het Dennehof. After an impressive season highlighted by participation in the Olympic Games and victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Shanghai, he emphasized the importance of his team.
“It's great to have such a team around me. Everyone knows that hard work is essential to achieve results like this. I'm not often at the stables because I'm at competitions, so the people there are even more important. Horses like Luna need extra care, so I can't thank the people at home enough. It was a team victory!” For the young fans who look up to him, Thomas offered wise advice: “You should focus on what you're doing at that moment. Once you've crossed the finish line, you can move on from there. You shouldn't get too ahead of yourself and start thinking 'if I stay clear now, I can become Champion.'” With his second title in the bag, he was asked if he would go for a third victory next year. Thomas laughed and remained modest: “No, no. But you never know.” What makes this championship extra special is the story behind Luna. “Her mother, Valencia, finished second here at the Belgian Championship with my uncle Marc Van Dijck. The day before they left for Lanaken, an embryo was flushed, and Luna came from that. So, she was conceived shortly before the competition here in Lanaken! The idea of one day improving on Marc and Valencia's performance with her daughter always played on my mind. That year that Marc and Valencia took silver, Rik also finished third,” Thomas said with a smile.
Nathan Budd: "We persevered until the end" Nathan Budd finished a strong second with Touardo Blue Z. He spoke candidly about the journey to this achievement and the bond with his horse. “Touardo joined my team about two years ago. In the beginning, it wasn't so easy, because I really had to find that click with him. We worked very hard, with the whole team, and built up step by step,” says Budd. “Before we came here, he felt very good. That's why I took my chance.”
Rik Hemeryck: "I'm still young at heart!" Rik Hemeryck, who secured third place with his eleven-year-old Navarro van het Eelshof, was not discouraged by an earlier mistake in the course.
