This weekend, Stoeterij Zangersheide in Lanaken hosted the 2020 Belgian Championship for senior riders. A total of 46 horse-and-rider combinations had lined up on the first day of the championship, with only the 16 best taking part in Saturday's final which was jumped over two 1.55m rounds. The course set by Eugène Mathy offered some real challenges, with only five double clear results on the final day. Jos Verlooy and Varoune (Verdi x Cordalme), defending champions, showed impeccable form – leading from start to finish.

"It is always nice to win a national title, especially two years in a row with the same horse," Verlooy commented after his victory. "Winning today feels extra special because last year I was more like the underdog, whereas this year I maybe came in as the favourite." 

Even though Verlooy and Varoune made it all look effortless, the competition was tough. "I must say it was all close; if I would have made a fault, I would have dropped down to sixth place,” Verlooy explains. "There was no room for errors. We haven't had so many shows this year, so everyone was riding their best horses and the competition was really tough. I think we are lucky to have Judy Ann [Melchior] – without her, I am not sure this championship would have happened. We are also lucky to have a venue like Lanaken. Tokyo was my goal for this year, and with that cancelled, these championships have been in a highlight in my year." 

Pieter Clemens and Quintini (Quintender x Cassini II) took the silver medal, while Yves Vanderhasselt and Jeunesse (Eldorado van de Zeshoek x Quasimodo vd Molendreef) secured the bronze. Francois Mathy Jr. on Uno de la Roque (Numero Uno x Kannan) placed fourth and Charlotte Philippe on Cacharel de Amoranda Z (Gorlensky G x Lord Z) took the fifth place after riding two beautiful clear rounds on the demanding final day in Lanaken.