The victory was particularly significant for Belgian breeding. Landon de Nyze, a 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Comilfo Plus Z x Quadrillo), was bred by Danny Nijs. The horse, which previously rose to fame under World No. 2 Kent Farrington (earning team gold and individual silver at the 2023 Pan American Games), proved once again why he is considered one of the elite athletes on the circuit.

Bluman and Landon de Nyze delivered a masterclass in the jump-off. Navigating the track with precision and speed, they stopped the clock at a blistering 38.38 seconds. Bluman attributed the win to a strategic decision at the final line: "I did one less stride than everyone else to the last, and I think that's where I shaved the second off Rene."

International Podium

The podium reflected the high level of competition in Lexington:

  • 1st Place: Mark Bluman (COL) & Landon de Nyze (0/0 – 38.38s)

  • 2nd Place: Rene Dittmer (GER) & Corsica X (0/0 – 39.46s)

  • 3rd Place: Christian Kukuk (GER) & Akarad Tivoli Z (0/0 – 43.02s)

Further down the rankings, Roberto Teran Tafur (COL) finished fourth with the BWP-bred DSP Callas, while American veteran Laura Kraut took fifth with Una Mariposa.