SATURDAY: EUROPEAN JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP CH-J-YR VILAMOURA 2021

Belgium, Belgium, Belgium…oh, and Great Britain as well! Yesterday we add to more results
to the competition ́s Hall of Fame: the third (and last) for the Teams and the first for
Individuals. Belgium achieved the “hat trick”, after overcoming France, that was leading the
Children ́s Nation Cup, in the ranking yesterday. Jean Jacques Mathis, the Belgium Chef
D ́Equipe for the Pony’s and Children’s category, was “happy and amazed by the rare (if
not unique) result achieved” by his athlete’s. Once again, the team spirit referred by Rik
Deraedt (the other Belgium Chef d ́Equipe for Juniors and Young Riders), was mentioned
and the level and talent of some riders that have been part of the team, since young age,
was too (the Young Rider ́s team was coached by Jean Jacques when they were in the
Children ́s category). Marco Bergomi (Italian Chef d ́Equipe) had reasons to smile once
again, after being second in the Nations Cup. The nation that closed the podium was
Great Britain, leaded by Clare Whitaker. For the third time in a row, the sponsors were
exactly the same… GPA Helmets and a weekend on Vila Galé Hotels, courtesy of the
sponsors (GPA and Vila Galé Hotels), Flexon ́s Stirrups and Equick ́s Boots.
As for the Juniors, this was the first category that revealed the individual European
Champion. The British combination, Ava Vernon & Jolie Fleur van de Noordheuvel, were
the ones that made “God Save the Queen” be heard, confirming the great results achieved
by this country. The top was achieved, with a very short difference from the second place
(0,1 points), the Belgium combination Tristan Guisson and Naturelle vh Legitahof Z. The
sweet Ava was really thrilled and emotional, not only for having all her family in the crowed
watching her, but also for the Individual results and for being one of the best British riders
in the Juniors Nations Cup as well, where Great Britain was third. The bronze medal was
delivered to Aurelia Guisson and No Limit vh Legita Hof Z…you guessed it right if you said
from Belgium!
To end the day, the last class was the Junior ́s Farewell, where the Polish Iga Biegalska
riding Doravella, cross the finish with a clear round in 43,13.
At last, but not at least, team Portugal was the 18th on the Juniors Nations Cup and
João Patrício riding C. Grand Canyon Z, was the best Portuguese, placing 22nd with a
total of 13 points. Alice Laruça is placed in 28th for the Children ́s category and with a total
of 8 points, qualified for the final.
To end the competition, 4 classes are scheduled, two Farewell ́s (in Children and Young
Riders) and also two finals that will allow us to know who the European Champions of
Children and Young Riders, might be.
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