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

Friday evening's CSI4* 1.50m VDL Groep Prix at Jumping Indoor Maastricht 2025 was won by the host nation's Michael Greeve (NED) and Commissar Pezi (Commissario x Böckmann's Lord Pezi). Although the Dutch rider has only recently formed a partnership with the 12-year-old gelding, he added a second victory to their record in a packed MECC arena.

Greeve clearly enjoyed the moment: “There were quite a few in the jump-off, but I had a favourable start position near the end. That allowed me to see how the others rode and adjust my tactics a bit. I built up the jump-off steadily, with a short turn to the double, then another short turn, and then a smooth line to the last fence. I think that’s where I won it.”

It’s a promising result for the newly formed combination, who also won a class in Leeuwarden two weeks earlier. “Commissar Pezi is naturally very quick. He’s only been at my stable for two months, but we already have a good connection. Hopefully, we can deliver another strong performance on Sunday. Jumping Indoor Maastricht is a fantastic event with excellent organization – it’s always great to be back here.”

Leopold van Asten (NED) had his sights set on victory in the VDL Groep Prix. With the 12-year-old VDL Groep Nino du Roton (Iron Man van de Padenborre), he came close to Greeve’s time in the jump-off but ultimately had to settle for second place, missing out by just a few tenths. Bas Moerings (NED) continued his strong form of the day, taking third place with the KWPN-approved stallion Ipsthar (Denzel van'T Meulenhof x Farmer), marking his second podium finish of the day.

After the all-Dutch podium came the international stars: Brazil’s Yuri Mansur guided Elano de Laubry Z (Echo van'T Spieveld x Prince Royal) to fourth place, and Belgian champion Jos Verlooy rounded out the top five with Etundel de Marocy (Diamant de Semilly x President). 

With a round full of control, speed, and class, Katrin Eckermann (GER) set the tone in the CSI4* 1.45m Stal Hendrix Prix. The German rider outperformed, among others, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and Michael Greeve (NED) in the winning round, claiming victory with her eight-year-old talent, Iron Dames Cascajall NRW (Casallco x Comme Il Faut 5). 

After the competition, Eckermann spoke highly of her horse and of Jumping Indoor Maastricht: “This is such a wonderful show; I really enjoy riding here. I was here for the first time last year, and I’m happy to be back. Cascajall clearly feels great too, because he jumped fantastically. He’s only eight years old, a bit shy by nature, but today he really showed what he’s capable of – blazing fast and incredibly careful. My father bought him when he was just two, so we’ve come a long way together. I’m very proud of him, and it’s a fantastic feeling to win another class today.”

In a thrilling finale, where the twelve best combinations returned for the winning round, Henrik von Eckermann and his experienced mare Calizi (Cellestial x Stakkatol) managed to close the gap to the winner to just one second. Michael Greeve (NED) delivered the best Dutch result, taking third place with the eight-year-old A Billion Boy vh Distelhof Z (Aganix du Seigneur x Indoctro). Willem Greve (NED) narrowly missed the podium with Party In de Hus (Kannan x Coriano), while Frederic Vernaet (FRA) and Okina van de Bien (Toulon x Blue Boy V. Berkenbroeck) ensured Belgian representation in the top five.