Competition is in full swing at the Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard as riders from across the globe go head to head in the Summer Showcase. Today’s CSI4* Grand Prix Qualifier started out with a bang with the Netherlands’ Henk van de Poel first out on the grass. Fans gathered in the grandstand to watch the Dutch rider navigate the course aboard B Capotain Norman.
Van de Poel came home clear and was met with cheers by the crowd as he crossed the finish line, setting the tone for this evening’s class. Fellow Dutch rider Kim Emmen flew across the arena riding her mount Island V G. The pair mastered the course, delivering the second clear round and taking the lead.
Next in the arena was Giampiero Garofalo of Italy. Garofalo made quick work of the course aboard Gaspahr, tentatively claiming second place. Belgium’s Yenthe Schrijvers and Idem van ter Helst delivered a smooth, clear round. The pair stopped the clock at 82.55 seconds, tentatively claiming fourth place.
Local hero Joy Lammers looked to be on track for a clear round riding First Boy B.B. The disappointment from her home crowd was palpable when she acquired an unfortunate fault on course. Despite the course faults, Lammers and First Boy B.B. were met with applause as they left the arena. Abdel Saïd of Belgium was on the hunt for a win as he looked to overtake the top spot from Kim Emmen. Saïd flew across the course aboard Calvaro, but ultimately could not match the pace set by Emmen, stopping the clock at 74.73 seconds and tentatively claiming second place.
Leopold van Asten of the Netherland’s took no prisoners aboard VDL Groep Kiara. The pair raced across the expansive grass arena, stopping the clock at 72.06 seconds and taking the lead from fellow countrymen Kim Emmen. Van Asten said, “My feeling was top. She has not done anything like this very often yet due to the fact that she is only 9 years old. Yesterday she jumped a 1.40m class which was very pleasant and she surprised me actually with how fast she is.” He continued, “I know that she is a naturally fast horse. She felt great and jumped amazing. I won’t take her for the Grand Prix tomorrow because I want to build her up slowly. But the fact that she did this so easily makes me happy and tells me that she can jump a 3* Grand Prix soon.”
Young gun Jeanne Sadran of France, winner of this year’s LGCT Grand Prix of Paris, flawlessly piloted Kosmo van Hof ter Boone through the course coming home clear and stopping the clock at 76.66 seconds. Dutch rider Kevin Jochems mastered the course with his mount Camilla van de Helle. They showed themselves to be a well-oiled team, coming home on a clean sheet and securing a top five finish.
As day two drew to a close, a DJ set the mood in the Place du Concours. Friends and riders gathered for a drink to enjoy the incredible atmosphere. All eyes now turn to day three as we eagerly await to learn who will claim first victory on the final day of the Summer Showcase in Valkenswaard.