Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – August 07, 2022 – A great week of showjumping came to an end at Tops International Arena on Sunday with the running of the most important attraction, the €25,500 Grand Prix of Valkenswaard CSI 2*. The host nation came away with the win as Teddy van de Rijt (NED) and Explosion ignited towards a dynamite performance that couldn’t be matched by any other duo.
Only 6 combinations stayed clear in the first round and qualified for the jump-off of the 1.45m contest. Belgian rider Gilles Thomas (BEL) was the first to stay clear with a neat round with the Selle Français stallion Ermitage Kalone (Catoki x Kannan). Their time of 38.27 seconds was the early ‘time to beat’.
The British Ellie Guy (GBR) also managed to stay clear but lacked some pace with Lyonel D (NRPS, Little Joe x Chacco-Blue) and stopped the clock at 40.44 seconds. This result was eventually good enough for third place.
It was up to last starter Teddy van de Rijt (NED) to beat the time of Thomas with her KWPN gelding Explosion (Applaus x Numero Uno). And she did that with verve. Explosion did his name justice and went through the beautiful grass arena with big and powerful strides. Together they crossed the finish line in 37.48 seconds. A wonderful victory for the 25-year-old rider from Nuenen.
Winner’s Circle: Teddy van de Rijt (NED)
“I am very happy to finally win my first 2* Grand Prix and that at such a beautiful show makes it even better,” said a happy Teddy afterwards. “For us as young riders it is difficult to start at competitions where there is such an atmosphere. That’s why it’s great that they organize a youth weekend! I think it is one of the most beautiful shows, especially the grass arena is wonderful. I hope to ride here for many years to come!” She has only been riding Explosion for 3 months but “we are already a team and he always goes for the win. He is very special to me.”
Final Results – €25,500 Grand Prix of Valkenswaard CSI 2*
1) Teddy van de Rijt (NED) & Explosion – 0 / 0 – 37.48
2) Gilles Thomas (BEL) & Ermitage Kalone – 0 / 0 – 38.27
3) Ellie Guy (GBR) & Lyonel D – 0 / 0 – 40.44
Source: Press Release (edited) from Tops International Arena
Photo: © Tops International Arena
Categories: CSI 2*, English, Jumper News Nederland
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