Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – July 13, 2024 – The sun came out for day two of the Summer Classic as show jumping’s top talent went head to head at the Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard.
It was blue skies for the €56,800 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4* – 1.50m as class kicked off with Belgium’s Pieter Devos (BEL). Devos rode fast and found a good rhythm aboard Jarina J, setting the standard for the class with a foot-perfect clear round. British show jumping star Ben Maher (GBR) was looking for a win as he entered the arena. Maher flew across the grass aboard Ginger-Blue and the pair posted a lightning fast clear round, taking an early lead with 64.19 seconds.
When asked about his win, Maher said how impressed he was with his mount Ginger Blue, saying, “Ginger-Blue is a quite experienced horse now. She is very suited for this kind of competition and a naturally quite quick horse. Unfortunately Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) was +0.01. It can’t get any closer than that but it was just on the ride side for me today.” Maher went on to say that he is cautiously optimistic for tomorrow’s 4* Grand Prix saying, “Ginger-Blue is an amazing horse. She is a winner. But it is a different competition and a new day tomorrow. Our sport brings new surprises and new winners every day.”
Despite yesterday’s rain, the grass arena was in top form for this evening’s class. The riders remarked on just how well the footing has held up. Winner Ben Maher (GER) said, “this grass arena is like no other. There are only two grass arenas that I know that can hold up to that kind of weather. Even yesterday we still could jump and today we were jumping like nothing ever happened. This is why we come here. The facilities are great.”
Next in the ring was Gilles Thomas (BEL) riding Emitage Kalone, one of the best horses of the world at the moment. The young Belgian rider looked relaxed and confident as he navigated the course with the incredible Ermitage. The pair showed themselves to be a well oiled team that are truly a joy to watch. Thomas delivered a smooth clean round and was met by cheers as he crossed the finish line, tentatively claiming third place.
Brazil’s Eduardo Pereira de Menezes (BRA) came home on a clean sheet aboard H5 Kastelle Memo, securing a top ten finish. Continuing his great form from yesterday, Khaled Almobty of Saudi Arabia raced across the course, delivering a clear round aboard Spacecake.
German show jumping sensation Daniel Deusser (GER) was next up aboard Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z. Deusser posted a quick round, stopping the clock at 65.87 seconds. The German rider was fast, but it was not quite enough to take the lead from the lightning fast Maher. Italian’s Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) had his foot on the gas as he navigated the course with his mount Crack Balou. The pair delivered a fast, clear round, taking second place from Deusser.
Yesterday’s winner Rodrigo Pessoa(BRA) was confident as he rode into the arena on Dhalida. The Brazilian rider posted the fastest time of the class, stopping the clock at 62.80 seconds, but an unfortunate fault on course dashed his hopes of another win. Dutch show jumping star Harrie Smolders (NED) expertly navigated the course aboard his mount Mr. Tac. Smolders strategically steered through the arena like a man with a plan. In the end, the Dutch rider could not quite match the pace of class leader Maher, stopping the clock at 66.76 seconds.
Germany’s Marcus Ehning (GER) came flying onto the course. Ehning opted for tight turns and a quick pace as he hunted for the win aboard Flower Girl. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as they watched the pair fly over the course. Ultimately, the German rider could not catch Maher, finishing in third place, less than a second off the winning time.
Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) quickly navigated the course aboard his mount Origi van de Zeshoek. Gonzalez delivered a clear round but ultimately could not match the pace set by Maher. Next up was Lorenzo de Luca (ITA). De Luca has already proved to be a strong contender this weekend. The Italian rider was looking for a win as he raced across the grass aboard Don Vito. Despite their quick pace, Maher proved untouchable, with De Luca coming home just 0.01 second slower than the class leader.
As the sun set over Valkenswaard, a DJ and saxophonist got the party going in the Place du Concours. Friends and riders gathered for a drink to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. As day two draws to a close, we eagerly await to learn who will take the top spot tomorrow on the final day of the Summer Classic at LTIA.
Final Results – €56,800 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4* – 1.50m
1) Ben Maher (GBR) & Ginger Blue – 0 – 64.19
2) Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) & Don Vito – 0 / 0 – 64.20
3) Marcus Ehning (GER) & Flower Girl – 0 / 0 – 65.05
Source: Press Release from LTIA – Longines Tops International Arena
Photos: © LTIA – Longines Tops International Arena
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Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News Great Britain
