Stephan de Freitas Barcha wins the CSI4* Stephex Grand Prix at the Andalucía Sunshine Tour
Top-level sport marked the sixth week of the Andalucía Sunshine Tour 2026 in Vejer de la Frontera, where the prestigious CSI4 Stephex Grand Prix 1.55m (Longines Ranking)* took place on the Don Antonio grass arena at the Montenmedio Equestrian Center.
Brazilian rider Stephan de Freitas Barcha secured victory riding Dinozo Un Prince. The pair produced the fastest clear round in the jump-off, stopping the clock at 43.07 seconds to take the win in a class featuring some of the world’s leading combinations.
Dutch rider Sanne Thijssen finished second with Con Quidam RB after a double clear in 43.22 seconds, while compatriot Roelof Bril claimed third place with Iberico (48.61). Ireland’s Michael Pender placed fourth with HHS Cyprus, followed by Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts with Hipster SV and Great Britain’s Sameh El Dahan with Oscar-A.
Farewell to Con Quidam RB
The class also featured an emotional moment as Sanne Thijssen officially retired her long-time partner Con Quidam RB, who at 20 years old concluded his sporting career with a superb second-place finish. The pair closes a remarkable partnership that produced numerous international successes.
Among the Spanish riders, the best result came from Álvaro González de Zárate, who finished 21st with Conthargo-Blue.
Sunday Grand Prix highlights
The WKD Medium Tour Grand Prix 1.50m was won by Ireland’s Michael Pender riding Starfield Brighteye, delivering a clear jump-off in 35.73 seconds. Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts finished second with Dixie Moon, while France’s Theo Ogorzaly took third with Goya Batilly.
In the Small Tour Grand Prix 1.45m, victory went to Irish rider Richard Howley with Caprice d’Elle after a clear jump-off in 39.56 seconds, ahead of Portugal’s Joao Pedro Gomes and Ireland’s Max O’Reilly Hyland.
Youth Grand Prix
The weekend also featured the Youth Grand Prix classes.
Portuguese rider Matilde Rodrigues won the Children category with Jikaribanta.
Dutch rider Liv Linssen topped the Junior Grand Prix with Stella M.
Swiss rider Logan Fiechter claimed victory among Young Riders with Mien-Viola.
Final week ahead
After six weeks of competition, the Sunshine Tour now moves into its seventh and final week of jumping, starting Tuesday at Montenmedio with CSIYH, CSI1* and CSI4* competitions and the young horse finals of the second cycle.
At the same time, the venue will host the first international dressage events of the season, including CDI3* and CDI1* competitions along with youth and national classes.
Photo credits: McKenzie Clark
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