Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – July 26, 2024 – The exciting talent converged on the Longines Tops International Arena for day one of the Summer Festival 2: Summer Showcase. It was a strong showing for the Netherlands on the first day of action but it was Irish rider Jordan Coyle (IRL) who secured the top spot in Friday’s 4* Grand Prix Qualifier. 

Winner of Summer Festival 1’s 4* Grand Prix, Khaled Almobty (KSA) entered the arena aboard his mount Spacecake. The Saudi Arabian rider masterfully navigated the course, taking a risk with a big jump over the last fence. The crowd cheered as he crossed the finish line, posting the first clear round of the class.  

Riding on home turf, Niels Tacken opted for a strategic round with Cordis Totalis Z. Tacken delivered the second clear of the class thus far aboard the 11 year old bay gelding. Next up was American show jumping icon Laura Kraut and Confu. Kraut expertly piloted Confu through the course, stopping the clock at 74.53 seconds and jumping tentatively into second place. 

Jordan Coyle of Ireland was next to go. Having already claimed a victory today in the CSI2* Big Tour 1.45m class, Coyle was on the hunt for another win. Riding full gas across the gorgeous grass arena, he stopped the clock at 65.45 seconds, taking the lead with his 13 year old bay gelding For Gold. When asked about his win, Coyle explained that he had a good feeling in the arena, saying “It’s always nice to win. I think he jumped very well today.” He went on to say, “It’s my first time competing in Europe other than the Dublin Horse Show. It’s really fantastic here. I would like to win all the classes this weekend. I actually have some very good horses here. So fingers crossed!”

French rider Cyrine Cherif delivered a controlled and rhythmic round with I’am Moerhoeve’s Princess Z, coming home on a clean sheet. Kevin Jochems (NED) of the Netherlandswas next to go. The Dutch rider mastered the course aboard his mount Name It, stopping the clock at 71.38 seconds, enough to secure third place. Bertram Allen of Ireland looked confident and relaxed as he entered the arena with Caprisco, delivering a smooth, clear round. 

Local hero Henk van de Pol sailed through the course with B Captain Norman, coming home clean. Fellow Dutchman Harrie Smolders was next up. The Dutch sensation made quick work of the course aboard Springfield 21, securing a top five finish.

Great Britain’s Robert Murphy and Catch-Me van Berkenbroeck delivered a clear round but were not quite able to catch the lightning fast Coyle, stopping the clock at 79.27 seconds. Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano and Julius.D were in top form as they raced across the expansive grass arena. Despite four faults on course, the Italian rider stopped the clock at an impressive 68.54 seconds. 

Dutch rider Wout-Jan van der Schans delivered a flawless round and came home clear with the 11 year old A.S Damascene. Last to go was fellow Dutch rider Manon Hees aboard her mount Picco. The pair rode clear and smooth, securing another clear round for the Netherlands. 

As day one wrapped up, spectators and riders gathered in the Place du Concours to celebrate the first day of competition. Spirits were high as the Longines Tops International Arena prepared for the next two days of Summer Festival 2. Join us for what is shaping up to be a thrilling weekend of competition in Valkenswaard.

Final Results – €28,200 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4*– 1.50m

1) Jordan Coyle (IRL) & For Gold – 0 – 65.45

2) Khaled Almobty (KSA) & Spacecake – 0 – 69.46

3) Kevin Jochems (NED) & Name It – 0 – 71.38

Source: Press Release from LTIA – Longines Tops International Arena

Photos: © LTIA / Mark Spowart

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