Press release from Longines Tops International Arena

The 2026 Longines Tops International Arena Summer Classic in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, got underway in spectacular fashion as an international field of 46 horse-and-rider combinations descended on Valkenswaard for the opening CSI4* 1.50m speed class. With world-class sport, vibrant entertainment and the unrivalled facilities of the Longines Tops International Arena setting the scene, spectators were treated to a thrilling first day where fractions of a second proved the difference between victory and defeat.

Britain's Harry Charles wasted no time stamping his authority on the opening international class of the weekend. Riding the talented Bandit (Obos Quality x Cruisings Micky Finn), Charles produced a beautifully judged clear round, stopping the clock in a blistering 60.40 seconds to claim the big CSI4* victory of the Summer Classic day 1.

An elated Harry Charles said after his victory: “Very happy to win, Bandit has been very good the last few shows. Always pretty fast but an unfortunate fence down so nice to finally get a good win. Great show, great facilities, lot of fun! It’s nice to be able to bring so many horses and get to work at a show which is really appreciated so it’s a great way to start the show and we are looking forward to the rest of the summer festival at Valkenswaard."

Germany's Daniel Deusser looked every inch a challenger aboard Bingo Ste Hermelle (Number One d’Iso x Diamant de Semilly), producing another faultless performance in 62.91 seconds, while Brazil's Felipe Amaral completed the podium after guiding Montissima PS (Messenger x Conthargos) home clear in 63.70 seconds.

South Africa's Charlie Bays continued an impressive afternoon with Ninety Stone Pullman (Zavall VDL x Emilion), securing fourth place after a smooth clear in 64.82 seconds, narrowly ahead of Luxembourg's Victor Bettendorf and Gibbs Un Prince (Numero Uno d’Iso x Panama Tame), who crossed the finish in 64.91 seconds. Frenchman Olivier Perreau delivered another polished clear aboard Leopard des Joanins Z (L’Arc de Triomphe x Quick Star) to finish sixth in 66.06 seconds, with Monaco's Anastasia Nielsen adding to the international flavour of the leaderboard in seventh. Riding Dark Chocolate 48 (Casall x Acodetto), Nielsen stopped the clock clear in 66.82 seconds.