Maastricht, The Netherlands – November 09, 2025 – A thrilling finale provided the perfect closing act for the 2025 Jumping Indoor Maastricht. Under the roof of the MECC Maastricht, everything came together: top-level sport, tension, and emotion. The stands shook as Belgian rider Gilles Thomas (BEL), aboard his nine-year-old mare Qalista, claimed victory in the prestigious €105,500 Grand Prix of Maastricht CSI 4*, the absolute highlight of the weekend.
A Masterful Course
Course designer Louis Koninckx had set a highly refined challenge for the riders. The lines were technical, the time allowed tight, and the margin for error virtually zero. Only five combinations managed to complete the first round without faults, earning their place in the decisive jump-off.
As the first rider to go clear, Gilles Thomas (BEL) set the tone. The crowd erupted into applause as he crossed the finish line faultlessly. In the jump-off, he managed to raise the pace even further. His time proved unbeatable; none of the four remaining competitors came close.
Dream Horse
“Winning is always special, but especially here in Maastricht,” Thomas said afterwards. “Jumping Indoor Maastricht has been on our calendar for years, and I’m very happy to add this title to my record.” Thomas emphasized that all credit goes to his mare: “Qalista is only nine and doesn’t have much experience. This was her first indoor show after a good outdoor season. For her to win it straight away is almost unbelievable.”
Speaking about her character, he added: “She’s cheerful, fiery, and has a true fighting spirit. Very careful, but in the jump-off she gets even faster. That’s when she really jumps her best—when I can let her go a little. She’s fantastic, truly a dream horse to have in the stable.”
Robert Murphy and Christian Ahlmann Neck and Neck
Robert Murphy (GBR) and Christian Ahlmann (GER) shared second place with exactly the same time. The British rider guided his thirteen-year-old Hulde G to a flawless round, while Ahlmann, aboard his ten-year-old stallion Dourkhan Hero Z, once again demonstrated why he has belonged to the absolute world elite for years. Danish rider Jenny Krogsæter (DEN) finished impressively in fourth place with her fourteen-year-old Laurier, followed by Denis Lynch and his nine-year-old Chicago in fifth for Ireland.
The best Dutch result came from Johnny Pals with Zarkava Hero Z, who missed the jump-off by just five hundredths of a second after slightly exceeding the time allowed. Michael Greeve, Marcus Ehning, Katrin Eckermann, and Thibeau Philippaerts all secured spots within the top ten.
Final Results – €105,500 Grand Prix of Maastricht CSI 4*
1) Gilles Thomas (BEL) & Qalista – 0 / 0 – 35.49
2) Robert Murphy (GBR) & Hulde G – 0 / 0 – 36.51
2) Christian Ahlmann (GER) & Dourkhan Hero Z – 0 / 0 – 36.51
Source: Press Release from Jumping Indoor Maastricht
Photo: © JIM / Digishots
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