Press release from Longines Tops International Arena, edited by World of Showjumping

The battle for Sunday's CSI4* Grand Prix intensified on day two of the Summer Showcase at Longines Tops International Arena as a world-class field tackled the CSI4* 1.50m against the clock qualifier. With qualification and valuable confidence on the line, riders were forced to strike the perfect balance between speed and precision in a fiercely competitive contest.

It was Brazil's Stephan de Freitas Barcha who emerged victorious after producing a lightning-fast round aboard the experienced Dinozo Imperio Egipcio (Diamant de Semilly x Urbain du Monnai). Stopping the clock in 67.69 seconds, the pair held off an inspired late challenge to secure the top spot by the narrowest of margins.

Belgium's Nicola Philippaerts came agonisingly close to victory with the promising nine-year-old Rolex ter Leydonck (Bamako de Muze x Nabab de Reve), finishing just 0.04 seconds behind in 67.73 seconds to claim second place after another polished performance. France's Simon Delestre, continuing his return to top-level competition, guided Gatsby du Tillard (President x Diamant de Semilly) into third with another stylish clear round in 69.47 seconds. Just one tenth further back, Germany's Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Kaleni Jo (Kannan x Indoctro) continued their excellent form to finish fourth.

Saudi Arabia's Abdulrahman Alrajhi delivered another consistent international performance aboard Lorenzo ES (Comme Il Faut x Casall) to take fifth, while home favourite Sanne Thijssen rounded out the top six with Os le Petit Cheval (Peppermill x Magic d'Elle), much to the delight of the Dutch spectators. 

With qualification complete and confidence building, attention now turns to Sunday's CSI4* Grand Prix, where many of today's leading combinations will look to convert their impressive form into the biggest victory of the week at Longines Tops International Arena.