Press release from Jumping Indoor Maastricht, edited by World of Showjumping

A thrilling finale provided the perfect closing act for Jumping Indoor Maastricht 2025: Belgium's Gilles Thomas, aboard his nine-year-old mare Qalista DN (Emerald x Landetto), claimed victory in the prestigious CSI4* 1.55m Grand Prix of Maastricht, the absolute highlight of the weekend.

Course designer Louis Konickx (NED) 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 horse-and-rider 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 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 of 35.49 proved unbeatable; none of the four remaining competitors came close.

“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, Thomas 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 (GBR) and Christian Ahlmann (GER) shared second place with exactly the same time – 36.51. The British rider guided his thirteen-year-old Hulde G (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Warrant) to a flawless round, while Ahlmann, aboard his ten-year-old stallion Dourkhan Hero Z (Don't Touch Tiji Hero x Zandor), once again demonstrated why he has belonged to the absolute world elite for years. Jenny Krogsæter (NOR) finished in fourth place with her fourteen-year-old Laurier (VDL Zirocco Blue x Chin Chin), followed by Denis Lynch (IRL) and his nine-year-old Chicago (Cascadello I x Corrado I) in fifth for Ireland.