The closing day in Lanaken ended with a final that had it all: tension, speed, and the very best young horses of the moment. The last class of the event, the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for 7-Year-Old Horses over 1.45m, brought the stands to their feet one last time. It was the climax of a week where young horses showcased themselves to the world, balancing sporting excellence with breeding vision.
The crowning glory once again went to Ireland thanks to Eoin Brennan. Riding the Zangersheide gelding Augustus Z (Aganix du Seigneur x Vigo d'Arsouilles), bred by Tim Brennan, he delivered a faultless jump-off in 35.20 seconds. It secured Ireland the ultimate triumph of these World Championships.
For the home crowd, it was just 16-year-old Niels Van Rossem who created the moment of the day with the BWP gelding Speedy van Klapscheut (Chaiton F Z x Peppermill), bred by BV Mivaro. Their clear round in 35.20 seconds sent the arena into raptures.
Bronze went to France, thanks to Thibault Thevenon with the chestnut stallion ICI et la Courcelle (Cocktail de Talma x Kashmir van’t Schuttersho), bred by Yves Chauvin. A strong clear in the first round followed by a quick jump-off in 36.61 seconds earned them the final podium spot.
Fourth place went to Leah Stack with Aggie van de Start Z (Aganix du Seigneur x Cooperfield von der Held), bred by Jan Van Alken. Their round in 37.89 seconds just missed the podium.
The top five was completed by another Irish rider: Niamh McEvoy steered Boleybawn Alvaro (Dominator 2000 Z x Crown Z), bred by Ronan Rothwell, to a time of 36.41 seconds.
The last competition in Lanaken once again underlined the essence of this championship: young horses already performing at world level, breeders seeing their vision validated, and riders showcasing the craftsmanship that guides their horses toward the future. The finale proved why this event continues to live up to its reputation as the pinnacle of the breeding and sport calendar year after year.
