In Lanaken, the final for 5-year-old showjumpers was decided in a breathtaking jump-off. The speed of the Irish riders set the tone, but the Netherlands and Belgium also made their mark. Five young talents stole the spotlight, with breeders sharing just as much glory as the riders who guided them forward.
Gold went to Michael Pender with the KWPN gelding HHS Private Ryan (El Barone 111 Z x High Shutterfly). Bred by M. Van Der Velde and owned by Marta Hughes-Bravo, he flew faultlessly through the first round in 72.89 seconds and secured the jump-off in 38.23.
The silver medal went to the Netherlands. Doron Kuipers guided the chestnut mare Olympic van ’t Roosakker VK Z (Minute Man x For Pleasure) to a precise performance. Bred and owned by Stoeterij Van Kleef, the mare lived up to her pedigree, with times of 75.50 and 39.29 in the jump-off.
Bronze once again went to Ireland. Jason Foley had his hands full with the sensitive Tysons Lady Lux (Tyson x Lux Z), an Irish Sport Horse bred by Shay Hesnan and owned by Martin Egan. With 73.72 in the first round and 40.33 in the jump-off, the podium remained within reach.
Just off the podium was Belgium’s Bunoit Moeskops. Riding the chestnut mare Tokio de Liebri Z (Tobago Z x Darco), bred and owned by Lieven Bruyneel, he posted 73.13 and 40.41 seconds. The home crowd, holding its breath, rewarded him with thunderous applause.
Fifth place went once again to Ireland. Shane Dalton presented the grey gelding Unicum-H (President x Cicero van Paemel Z), bred by Victor Hermans and owned by Andrew Hughes and Westbury Stables. With times of 72.56 and 40.45, this horse also looks destined for the top.
