Press release from Longines Tops International Arena

The curtain came down on the opening Longines Tops International Arena Summer Classic in spectacular style as an international field of riders battled for CSI4* Grand Prix glory in Valkenswaard. Against the backdrop of buzzing hospitality, packed terraces, live entertainment and one of Europe's finest equestrian venues, the weekend reached a fitting conclusion with a thrilling jump-off under sunny skies.

After a demanding first round designed by course designer Peter Schumacher, five horse-and-rider combinations returned for the jump-off, where experience, precision and outright speed would decide the winner. It was legendary Brazilian rider Rodrigo Pessoa as last to go who emerged victorious aboard Major Tom (Vagabond de La Pomme x Heartbreaker), producing two flawless rounds before stopping the clock in a lightning-fast 43.99 seconds in the jump-off to secure the Grand Prix title.

Mexico's Andres Azcarraga pushed the champion all the way aboard Contendros 2 (Contendro I x Drosselklang II), delivering another double clear in 45.60 seconds to claim second place, while Germany's Daniel Deusser completed the podium with Pepita van T Meulenhof BR (El Torreo de Muze x Carthago), finishing clear in 45.85 seconds.

Britain's Sienna Charles continued her excellent weekend aboard Chawton (Typhoon S x Caletto II), producing a faultless jump-off in 48.10 seconds to finish fourth, with Jessica Springsteen (USA) taking fifth aboard Don Juan van de Donkhoeve (Bamako de Muze x Heartbreaker) after another double clear in 50.51 seconds. France's Nina Mallevaey looked set to challenge for the podium aboard My Clementine (O.B.O.S. Quality x Kashmir van Schuttershof), but a single rail in the jump-off left the exciting young talent sixth on four faults in 45.40 seconds.