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

The 2025-season at Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, got underway on Friday with the Summer Classic’s opening day. Spectators were treated to top-class sport from the outset, with the headline CSI4* 1.50m speed class delivering thrilling action and a star-studded podium.

It was the USA's Jessica Springsteen who stole the show, piloting her experienced 12-year-old mare Naomi van het Keizershof (Cardento x For Pleasure) to a lightning-fast clear in 64.61 seconds, earning victory and €7,050 in prize money. Springsteen made light work of the challenging course to claim the first big win of the Summer Classic.

“I’m so happy with Naomi today, she really shines in these speed classes and jumped beautifully today here in the grass arena," Springsteen said. "We always love coming here to compete, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend!”

Belgium’s rising star Gilles Thomas, ranked 25th in the world, came close with an efficient round aboard the talented 9-year-old mare Lavanoche T&L Z (Lavallino ter Klomp x Bentley van de Heffinck). Their clear in 65.07 seconds secured second place. 

“It’s been a fantastic first day here at the Longines Tops International Arena," Thomas said. "I am super pleased with Lavanoche, she jumped great and it was a fun class! I always enjoy coming to LTIA with such fantastic facilities for the horses and the amazing grass arena.”

The Netherlands’ own Mathijs van Asten ensured a strong showing for the home crowd, delivering a smooth clear round on his reliable partner Hotspot (Hors la Loi II x Nabab de Reve) in 66.46 seconds to take third. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann followed closely in fourth place with Blueberry (Conrad x Creve Couer), while Belgium’s Koen Vereecke rounded out the top five riding Oilily de Muze (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Ramiro Z).