Andres Azcarraga Nips Home Hero to Win the €105,500 Grand Prix of Valkenswaard CSI 4*

By Jumper News on 2025-07-14

Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – July 13, 2025 – The 2025 Summer Classic at Longines Tops International Arena culminated in an extraordinary day of top sport and vibrant entertainment, as international riders took centre stage for the highlight Grand Prix CSI 4* – and an electric crowd witnessed a finale that came down to a mere 0.05 seconds.

The jump-off itself unfolded in captivating fashion, with Mexico’s Andres Azcarraga ((MED)ultimately claiming victory aboard the experienced Contendros 2, stopping the clock in 35.62 seconds to take home the lions share of the €105,500 in prize money. Dutch favourite Harrie Smolders (NED), who had already taken wins on both previous days of the Summer Classic, was aiming for a perfect hat-trick and came heartbreakingly close – just 0.05 seconds slower with Mr. Tac in 35.67 seconds, with Denis Lynch (IRL) and Cordial rounding off the podium.

Under perfect summer skies, spectators enjoyed a true festival atmosphere, with a packed programme offering something for all ages – children’s entertainment, gourmet food outlets, shopping, live music, and of course, thrilling equestrian sport. The event proved a perfect family day out, attracting fans from across the Netherlands and beyond.

At the heart of the action, a challenging first round of the Grand Prix CSI 4*saw only nine riders jump clear and qualify for what would be a dramatic jump-off. There were shock exits from some of the sport’s biggest stars – including Jessica Springsteen (USA), Gilles Thomas (BEL), Simon Delestre (FRA), Daniel Deusser (GER), and Leopold van Asten (NED) – highlighting the difficulty of the course and the fierce level of competition.

First to return for the jump-off, Italy’s Linda Bratomi (ITA) set a confident tone aboard Happiness, opting for a careful approach to deliver a smooth double clear in 42.06 seconds. Her round provided a solid benchmark and ultimately secured a strong fifth-place finish.

Germany’s Christian Ahlmann (GER) looked to take the early lead with an aggressive strategy, riding all the inside turns to shave seconds from the clock. His time of 36.08 seconds would have put him in front, but a heartbreaking rail at the penultimate fence left him on 4 penalty-points, relegating him to seventh place.

Mexico’s Paola Amilibia (MEX) produced a thoughtful round, choosing a steady rhythm rather than chasing the clock. Her careful riding paid off with a double clear in 44.49 seconds, earning her sixth place overall.

Ireland’s Denis Lynch (IRL) followed with an effortless and flowing round aboard the experienced Cordial, clocking a fast and faultless 35.96 seconds. His polished effort ultimately secured him the final place on the podium in third.

**Andres Azcarraga** (MEX) & **Contendros 2**

Andres Azcarraga (MEX) and the 18-year-old Contendros 2 executed a perfectly judged round under immense pressure. Riding with precision and speed, they crossed the finish in 35.62 seconds, stealing victory by the narrowest of margins with a nerve racking wait to see if it was enough.

France’s Charlotte Leoni (FRA) delivered a determined performance aboard Vivolenska, producing a fast first round that earned her a place in the jump-off. In the second round, she posted a time of 40.31 seconds but incurred 4 faults after a rail fell mid-course, ultimately finishing in ninth place. Her strong showing capped off an impressive weekend for the French rider, who consistently challenged at the top level throughout the Summer Classic.

Local hero Harrie Smolders (NED) entered the arena to rousing cheers, having already won classes on both preceding days. A typically slick and precise round saw Harrie stop the clock at 35.67 seconds, posting a double clear that looked unbeatable until the final rider, eventually securing a close second-place finish – just 0.05 seconds off the win.

Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly (KSA) rode with determination, attacking the course with intent. However, like Ahlmann before him, he lowered a rail coming out of the double. His time of 36.46 seconds with 4 faults was good enough for eighth place on the day.

Last to go, Italy’s Giampiero Garofalo (ITA) produced a fast and balanced double clear in 36.29 seconds, demonstratinga superb partnership with the talented nine-year-old Querido van’t Ruytershof. His impressive effort earned him fourth place in this elite line-up.

As the sun set on this final day, it was clear that the Summer Classic had been a triumph not just of sport but of atmosphere and experience – a celebration of world-class equestrianism, set in the immaculate surroundings of Longines Tops International Arena, where sporting excellence meets family-friendly entertainment. All eyes now turn to the Summer Showcase from July 24 – July 27, 2025.