The sun was shining on day three at the Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard. The final day of the Summer Classic was one for the books with thrilling show jumping displays and a lively atmosphere on the Place du Concours.
As the sun warmed up the beautiful grass arena, the crowds turned out for the CSI4* Grand Prix 1.55m. First to go was yesterday’s Grand Prix qualifier winner Ben Maher and Ginger-Blue. Maher started off strong and looked to be on track for a clear, but an unfortunate fault on course dashed the British rider’s hopes of claiming the top spot in this class.
Khaled Almobty of Saudi Arabia, who has already had a strong weekend so far here at the Summer Classic, entered the arena aboard Jaguar King WD, looking relaxed and confident. The pair made quick work of the course, sailing over the grass. Almobty stopped the clock at 78.71 seconds, delivering the first clear round of the class as the crowd cheered for the Saudi Arabian rider.
In the end, Khaled Almobty claimed victory aboard Jaguar King WD, having delivered the fastest times of the class in both rounds and the only clear of the jump off. When asked about his win, Almobty said, “I am very, very happy with this win. I am looking forward to doing the rest of the Summer Festivals here in Valkenswaard. It’s amazing how everything is organized here.” He went on to say, “Today was a special day with winning the 4* Grand Prix with my Jaguar King. This is the last class for us together before we go to Paris. And it ended pretty well. I am looking forward to the rest of the shows with my other horses.”
The tension was palpable as Dutch show jumping icon Harrie Smolders started on course aboard Darry Lou. Sadly it was not Smolders’ day as he fell victim to the challenging course. Despite not qualifying for the jump off, Smolders and Darry Lou were met by cheers from the home crowd as they finished their round. Next up was Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano and Crack Balou. Gaudiano was on the hunt for a win as he raced across the grass aboard the twelve year old stallion. A fault on course knocked the pair out of contention for the jump off. Almobty remained the only clear round of the class.
Germany’s Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmerman was next to go with Cellagon Cascais. Meyer-Zimmerman mastered the challenging course, created by course designer Peter Schumann, making it look easy. The German rider came home clear, delivering the second clear round of the class and ensuring a jump off in this 4* Grand Prix.
Fellow German rider Marcus Ehning entered the arena with his mount DPS Revere. Ehning delivered a stylish round aboard his eleven year old grey gelding. Despite acquiring four faults on course, the pair were met by cheers as they left the arena. France’s Antoine Ermann and Cosmic Star skilfully navigated the arena. Ermann made quick work of the course but took his time as he approached the final fence. His caution paid off as the French rider came home clear.
All eyes then turned to Belgian Gilles Thomas and Elfra van Beek Z. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Thomas navigated the course aboard the ten year old stallion. Despite four faults on course, the Belgian rider finished strong and was met by cheers as he crossed the finish line. Winner of Friday’s Grand Prix qualifier, Rodrigo Pessoa, was next to go on Starman. Pessoa expertly navigated the course aboard the 9 year old chestnut gelding. The Brazilian rider proved once again why he is one of the world’s best as he came home clear, qualifying for the jump off, as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Dutch rider Kim Emmen entered the arena aboard Inflame Go. Emmen was on track for a flawless finish as the crowd looked on with baited breath. An unlucky fault on the last fence dashed her hopes of a clear round, as disappointment echoed through the crowd. Fellow Dutch rider Willem Greve took to the arena aboard Grandorado TN N.O.P. Greve and his thirteen year old bay stallion wowed the home crowd as they posted a clear round, securing their spot in the jump off.
Local hero Joy Lammers appeared confident as she entered the arena with her mount Grace Kelly. The pair delivered a smooth round and were on track for a clear round. The disappointment was palpable as she crossed the finish line, acquiring two penalties for time. Despite now qualifying for the jump off, her home crowd cheered as she and Grace Kelly left the area.
The score board went back to zero as the riders prepared for the jump off. First to go was class leader Almobty. The Saudi Arabian rider flew across the grass and stopped the clock at a lightning-fast 36.07 seconds. Next up was Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmerman. The experienced rider had a good rhythm but acquired an unfortunate four course. Despite this, the German rider’s quick pace earned her second place.
France’s Antoine Ermann looked hopeful but an unfortunate rail on course meant a fourth place finish. Next up was Rodrigo Pessoa and Starman. Pessoa was on the hunt for a win but four faults on course ultimately meant third place for the Brazilian show jumping star. Last to go was Dutch show jumping icon Willem Greve. The home crowd was on the edge of their seats as Greve navigated the course. Despite four faults on course, the Dutch rider had secured a top five finish in Valkenswaard.
The Summer Classic at the Longines Tops International Arena drew to a close after three remarkable days, highlighting elite equestrian sport, a vibrant atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. The Longines Tops International Arena now gears up for the Summer Festival 2 – Summer Showcase happening from July 25 to 28.
(Canada’s Erynn Ballard rode her Olympics-bound mount Nikka vd Bisschop in a pair of weekend 1.45m classes, placing 22nd and 23rd.)
Results here.
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