Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – July 28, 2024 – The sun was shining in Valkenswaard for the final day of Summer Festival 2. Day three of the Summer Showcase proved unforgettable, with thrilling show jumping performances and a vibrant atmosphere on the Place du Concours.

The crowds filled the grandstands for the €105,500 Grand Prix of Valkenswaard CSI 4*. An impressive field of thirty-seven riders went head to head in round 1 of the class. Seventeen riders rode clear on the course, designed by Peter Schumacher, qualifying for the jump off.

First to go in the jump-off was Giampiero Garofalo (ITA) of Italy. Garofalo found a nice rhythm with his mount Gaspahr but acquired four faults on course. Michael Pender (IRL) of Ireland and HH Los Angeles were next in the ring. They looked to be on track for a win but acquired an unfortunate four faults on the final fence. Next up was Dutch rider Kevin Jochems (NED). Jochems made it look easy, posting the first clear round of the jump off, stopping the clock at 48.30 seconds. 

The tension was palpable as Khaled Almobty (KSA) entered the arena. The winner of the 4* Grand Prix two weeks ago at Summer Festival 1 was on the hunt for another win aboard his mount Spacecake. The pair flew across the arena, the crowd cheering as they crossed the finish line. Almobty stopped the clock at 45.40 seconds, jumping into the lead.

Almobty was elated with his win saying, “It was amazing. I am very very happy and proud of my whole team.” He went on to say, “This is the second 4* Grand Prix of the Summer Festival Series and this is my second win as well. I won the first Grand Prix with Jaguar King and the second Grand Prix with the amazing Spacecake. It is always a pleasure to ride a horse like Spacecake or Jaguar King. I hope we can go for a third 4* Grand Prix win this summer here in Valkenswaard.”

Belgium’s Yenthe Schrijvers (BEL) was next to go aboard Idem van ter Hilst, but an unfortunate eight faults on course dashed his hope for a win. All eyes then turned to Jeanne Sadran (FRA) of France. The young French rider skilfully piloted her mount Kosmo van Hof ter Boone across the grass, securing a top ten finish. Next in the ring was Geir Gulliksen (NOR) of Norway aboard VDL Groep Quatro. Gulliksen made good use of the expansive arena but acquired an unfortunate four faults on course.

Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) was next to go, taking no prisoners aboard Cash du Plessis. The Italian rider delivered a fast round but could not quite catch Almobty, tentatively claiming second place. Koen Vereecke (BEL) of Belgium raced across the grass aboard Kasanova de la Pomme. He posted a fast time, stopping the clock at 46.17 seconds, but it was not quite enough to catch the lightning fast Almobty. Vereecke jumped into second place, overtaking Lorenzo de Luca. 

Antoine Ermann (FRA) looked relaxed and confident as he entered the arena on Comic Star. The French rider delivered a smooth round, securing a top ten finish. Next up was Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) riding Nikolaj de Music. The Italian rider delivered a quick round, but an unfortunate four faults on course dashed his hopes of a win. Local rider Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) started the jump off stylish as always. The Australian rider soared over the course with Corelli de Mies, coming home clean and claiming a top ten finish. 

Next to go were Great Britain’s Robert Murphy (GBR) and Catch-Me van Berkenbroeck. The pair delivered a clear round, claiming tenth place. Turkish rider Derin Demirsoy (TUR) was next up aboard O-Kannarock. The pair went full gas across the expansive grass arena. They were on track for a win, but an unfortunate fault on the last oxer thwarted their chance of claiming victory. Demirsoy stopped the clock at an impressive 44.93 seconds and was met by cheers from the incredible crowd. 

Next in the ring was Niels Tacken (NED) of the Netherlands. He rode a quick, clear round aboard Cordis Totalis Z, which was enough for a top ten finish. Colombia’s Roberto Teran Tafur( COL) was next to enter the ring riding DSP Callas. The pair delivered a fast and clear round, claiming a top five finish. Last to go was Dutch talent Kim Emmen (NED). She looked relaxed and confident as she entered the arena. Despite an unfortunate eight faults, the crowd cheered for the Dutch rider as she crossed the finish line with her mount Inflame Go. In the end, Khaled Almobty claimed a repeat victory in the €105,500 Grand Prix of Valkenswaard CSI 4*.

The Summer Showcase at the LTIA concluded after three spectacular days, showcasing elite equestrian sport, a lively atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. The Longines Tops International Arena now looks forward to the Summer Festival 3 – Global Future Champions, set to take place from August 9-11.

Final Results – €105,500 Grand Prix of Valkenswaard CSI 4* – 1.55 m

1) Khaled Almobty (KSA) & Spacecake – 0 / 0 – 45.40

2) Koen Vereecke (BEL) & Kasanova de la Pomme – 0 / 0 – 46.17

3) Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) & Cash du Plessis – 0 / 0 – 47.02

Source: Press Release from LTIA – Longines Tops International Arena

Photos: © LTIA – Longines Tops International Arena

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