Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – August 10, 2024 – The sun was shining for day two of the Summer Festival 3 – Longines Global Future Champions in Valkenswaard. An impressive lineup of 29 riders took to the expansive grass arena to battle it out for top honors in the €56,800 Speed Challenge CSI 4* class built by Gregory Bodo (FRA).

Leopold van Asten (NED) was first to go aboard VDL Groep Kiara. The Dutch rider made quick work of the course but acquired an unfortunate four faults. Laura Kraut (USA) delivered a beautiful, smooth round aboard Dorado 212, posting the first clean round of the class but acquired 1 fault for time. Next up was Mike Kawai (JPN) of Japan riding Saxo de la Cour. The young gun from Japan expertly piloted his chestnut gelding through the course, ultimately finishing in the top ten.

The Netherland’s Gerben Morsink (NED) took no prisoners riding Navarone Z. The Dutch rider delivered the first clear round of the class, tentatively jumping into first place, and was met by cheers from the home crowd as he crossed the finish line. Fellow Dutch rider Marc Houtzager (NED) found a good rhythm aboard Sterrehof’s Calimero, securing a top ten finish. Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) of Italy made quick work of the course with Violino Il Palazetto. Despite a fault on course, the Italian rider finished in eighth place.

Next up was Great Britain’s fiercely competitive Matthew Sampson (GBR). Sampson looked to be on the hunt for a win aboard Fabrice DN, tentatively claiming first place. Fellow countryman Robert Murphy (GBR) was next in the ring. 

Murphy expertly piloted Hulde G through the challenging course, designed by the renowned Gregory Bodo (FRA), jumping into first place. When asked about his win, Murphy said, “I’m super thrilled with my mare. She actually won the 2* class here at the same show last year so I am really pleased with how she is progressing.” He went on to say, “It is always a treat to jump on this arena here at LTIA and I certainly always try to bring my best horses as it really is an important part of their progression.”

Lars Kersten (NED) of the Netherlands delivered a clear but careful round aboard Chuck Marienshof Z, securing fourth place. Ireland’s Denis Lynch (IRL) looked to be on track for a win but was felled but the penultimate fence, nevertheless securing a top ten finish.

As the sun set over the Longines Tops International arena, the DJ set the mood as friends and riders gathered in the Place du Concours to enjoy the incredible atmosphere. All eyes now turn to day three as we eagerly await to learn who will claim victory on the final day of the Longines Global Future Champions in Valkenswaard.

Final Results – €56,800 Speed Challenge CSI 4*

1) Robert Murphy (GBR) & Hulde G – 0 – 71.31

2) Matthew Sampson (GBR) & Fabrice DN – 0 – 71.84

3) Gerben Morsink (NED) & Navarone Z – 0 – 73.26

Source: Press Release from LTIA – Longines Tops International Arena

Photos: © LTIA – Longines Tops International Arena

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