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

Day two of the Longines Global Future Champions presented by Lami-Cell at Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, delivered another adrenaline-charged CSI4* 1.50m against the clock, 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 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. 

In a close second, Harrie Smolders (NED) and Devino vd Weretherbach Z (De Flor 111 Z x Calvin Z) delivered a brilliant clear in 72.25 seconds, while Germany’s Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre (Baloubet du Rouet x Diamant de Semilly) claimed third in 72.72 seconds, just 0.47 seconds off the lead. Daniel Deusser (GER) and his seasoned star Killer Queen VDM (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x For Pleasure) finished fourth in 73.49, while Michael Greeve (NED) with Malito (Malito de Rêves x Heartbreaker) took fifth in 75.01.