Gilles Thomas Blazes to Victory in the CSI4* 1.50m, Kicking Off the Valkenswaard Weekend in Style

VALKENSWAARD (Netherlands) — The second day of the Longines Global Future Champions, presented by Lami-Cell, delivered an emotionally charged and technically demanding show for the sport-loving crowd. The highlight? The spectacular CSI4* 1.50m Against the Clock class, where Belgian rider Gilles Thomas claimed a memorable win with a flawless and lightning-fast performance.

Riding the grey gelding Chuck Marienshof Z, by Colestus out of an Emerald mare, Thomas stopped the clock at exactly 72.00 seconds—enough to edge out fierce competition in a class decided by fractions of a second. In fact, the top three were separated by just 0.72 seconds.

Dutchman Harrie Smolders took second place aboard Devino vd Weretherbach Z, delivering a clear in 72.25. German rider Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann completed the podium with Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre, finishing in a precise 72.72.

Just off the podium, Daniel Deusser and the legendary Killer Queen VDM took fourth place with a time of 73.49, signaling his intentions for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Fifth went to Dutchman Michael Greeve and Malito (75.01), while Chile’s Jorge Matte Capdevila claimed a respectable sixth on It’s Me des Saules (78.27).

The overall level of competition was extremely high, with top-class bloodlines taking center stage: Baloubet du Rouet, Emerald, For Pleasure, Heartbreaker—a true preview of the spectacle expected in today’s CSI4* Grand Prix.

Anni Hjerpe Shines in Young Rider 1.45m

In the 1.45m class reserved for Young Riders, Finland’s Anni Hjerpe stood out. Riding her trusted 13-year-old NRPS gelding Callboy by Caleandro, she delivered a flawless round in 70.47 seconds.

Germany’s Theresa Kröninger came second aboard Hummer-N (74.48), followed by Kuwait’s Hussain Alkharafi and GK C’est Un Rêve, who were third in 75.42. Solid performances also came from Kristina Klebanova for Monaco (fourth), Sweden’s Mathilda Hansson (fifth), and Belgium’s Jef Peeters (sixth) who posted a beautiful clear in 76.36 with Olina van ’t Ruytershof.

Piet Raijmakers Jr. Wins CSI2* 1.30m: 34 Double Clears in Jump-Off

The CSI2* 1.30m class saw massive participation with 59 starters and 41 clear rounds in the first phase. Of the 34 who repeated the feat in the jump-off, the fastest was Dutch rider Piet Raijmakers Jr. on Van Schijndel’s Olaya Z, finishing in 26.73 seconds.

Second place went to UAE’s Ali Hussain Alnowais on Narcos van de Smidshoeve (28.08), followed by Australia’s Georgina Harvey Lazarus and Butterfly Ennemmel, third in 28.69.

Amer H Alshatti Takes Junior 1.20m in a Nail-Biter

Kicking off the day was the 1.20m Junior class. The win went to 18-year-old Kuwaiti rider Amer H Alshatti on Horizon du Galopin, who delivered a blazing double clear in 33.51 seconds. Just four hundredths of a second behind was Qatar’s Mohammed Jassim A J Al Thani, second with Cattleya Plassay.

Third went to 15-year-old Brit Ruby Payne on Jadraque P, clocking in at 35.08. A strong fourth-place finish came from the Netherlands’ Joelle Muijres aboard Kobalt Expres WS.

Laura Bézier Doubles Up in Children 1.20m: A Rising Star for Belgium

Twelve-year-old Belgian talent Laura Bézier claimed her second consecutive win in the Children 1.20m, this time stopping the clock at a brilliant 58.78 seconds with her faithful La Coco 4.

European Champion Lieselot Kooremans (NED) followed in second on Nini van HD (60.38), with France’s Mhya Wilson Mille in third riding A La Miss de Busseol (61.45).

Pony Show: Abigail Wicks and Liona Ost Shine, Lieselot Kooremans Closes with a Bang

The day wrapped up with the three pony categories. In the 1.10m, it was Great Britain’s Abigail Wicks who triumphed aboard Zodianne van Doevenbree in 37.56 seconds. Germany’s Liona Ost topped the 1.15m class with Sietlands Gustav, while Dutch rider Lieselot Kooremans closed the day in style by winning the 1.25m on Elando van de Roshoeve—capping off a picture-perfect weekend.

As the energy builds for today’s CSI4* Grand Prix, the tension is palpable and the stakes are higher than ever. The top combinations have sent a clear message—they’re ready to battle for the crown in what promises to be a spectacular showdown.

The Longines Tops International Arena once again proves to be the perfect stage for world-class equestrian sport.

Full results here

Source text and photos: Press release

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