Dutch Delight! Kevin Jochems Leads All-Dutch Podium in Valkenswaard

By Jumper News on 2025-08-24

Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – August 23, 2025 – The Longines Tops International Arena delivered yet another electrifying night of sport on day two of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard CSI 5* & CSI 2*. In front of a roaring home crowd, it was Kevin Jochems (NED) who rose to the occasion, seizing victory in the €56,800 Jump-off Challenge CSI 5* with Shanroe Peeters.

The evening set the stage for pure drama as 11 world-class horse-and-rider combinations advanced to the jump-off, each one pushing the limits for top honours. With global superstars, and local heroes in the mix, the Dutch crowd was treated to a heart-stopping finish.

**Kevin Jochems** (NED) & **Shanroe Peeters**

Last to go in the jump-off, Jochems produced a round of both speed and precision, guiding the 11-year-old gelding Shanroe Peeters to the winning time. His performance not only secured the lion’s share of the prize pot but also completed a historic Dutch 1-2-3 on home soil.

With the crowd on the edge of their seats, Kevin Jochems (NED) and the electric Shanroe Peeters delivered the round of the day when it mattered most. Last to go, and chasing the time, the Dutch rider had nothing to loose, shaving 0.38 seconds off the lead to clinch victory in 42.38 seconds. Precision, pace, and pure nerves of steel – this was a win for the history books on home turf.

**Willem Greve** (NED) & **Highway TN N.O.P.**

The win came at the expense of his compatriot, Willem Greve (NED), who had been leading aboard Highway TN N.O.P.. Known as the “master of faster,” Greve and Highway were denied back-to-back victories at Valkenswaard after recently triumphing in the 4* Grand Prix of the Summer Classic at the very same venue. Greve (NED) and the lightning-fast Highway TN N.O.P. looked destined for the win as they stormed around the track. Up by 0.13 at the split, the crowd erupted as he stopped the clock at 42.71 seconds, edging into the lead for the moment.

**Sanne Thijssen** (NED) & **Con Quidam RB**

Third place went to Sanne Thijssen (NED) with her veteran partner Con Quidam RB, the 19-year-old Holsteiner stallion who proved he still has what it takes at the very top level. Remarkably, Con Quidam RB lifted the LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard trophy just two years ago, underlining his extraordinary staying power and legacy in the sport.

Flying the flag for the Netherlands and former Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard winners, Sanne Thijssen (NED) and her iconic partner Con Quidam RB came out swinging. With ice in her veins, she soared through the course and laid down a red-hot time of 42.87s, igniting the home crowd.

Kevin Jochems (NED) was visibly elated after his win, saying: “To be honest I didn’t see anyone else’s jump off, I just asked Harrie [Smolders] what the possibilities were with the course. I did my best – and it was just enough!”

He went on to add, “I actually own this horse together with my best friend, we’ve had him since he was seven, so it is great to have this win together.” As for the home crowd? “The atmosphere is great, you can really feel it, and you can feel they want to win. It was special being last to go!”

With the Dutch trio standing tall on the podium, the Valkenswaard crowd will be sure to celebrate a night to remember. All eyes now turn to tomorrow’s headline showdown – the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard. Starting at 13:45 local time, the world’s best riders will be back in action to battle for crucial points in Stage 10 of the 2025 Championship race. With the championship fight heating up and legends of the sport ready to compete, it promises to be an unmissable afternoon of top sport.