Gilles Thomas Clinches Lightning-Fast Speed Challenge CSI 4* at Valkenswaard

By Jumper News on 2025-08-03

Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – August 02, 2025 – Day two of the Longines Global Future Champions, presented by Lami-Cell delivered another adrenaline-charged €56,800 Speed Challenge CSI 4* – 1.50m, with riders from around the world going head-to-head in a class defined by tight times and narrow margins. Less than 1.5 seconds separated the top three finishers, making it one of the most hotly contested classes of the weekend so far.

Belgium’s Gilles Thomas (BEL) emerged victorious with Chuck Marienshof Z, a striking grey gelding by Colestus out of an Emerald mare. Their faultless and fluid round in 72.00 seconds proved just fast enough to edge out a world-class field, earning Thomas his first major win of the weekend.

**Harrie Smolders** (NED) & **Devino vd Weretherbach Z**

In a close second, Harrie Smolders (NED) and Devino vd Weretherbach Z – a 9-year-old by De Flor 111 Z—delivered a brilliant clear in 72.25 seconds.

**Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann** (GER) & **Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre**

Germany’s Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann (GER) and the Baloubet du Rouet mare Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre claimed third in 72.72 seconds, just 0.47 seconds off the lead.

Daniel Deusser (GER) and his seasoned star Killer Queen VDM, by Eldorado vd Zeshoek and out of a For Pleasure dam, finished fourth in 73.49, building solid momentum ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix. Michael Greeve (NED) with Malito—by Malito de Rêves out of a Heartbreaker dam—took fifth in 75.01, while Chile’s Jorge Matte Capdevila rounded out the top six with Equine America It’s Me des Saules, finishing in 78.27.

With powerhouse sires like Baloubet du Rouet, Emerald, For Pleasure, and Heartbreaker represented in today’s field, the quality on display was world-class from start to finish.