Following the devastating loss of her 11-year-old mare Sara Galotiere in a freak accident during Saturday night’s four-star international jump-off class, Holland’s Sanne Thijssen showed true strength of character when winning the Voltaire design sponsored CSI4* Speed Class on the Sunday afternoon of the Liverpool International Horse Show.

Sanne was in the lead after a fantastic round on Bacardi (Numero Uno x Action Hero) crossing the finish line in 50.91seconds when the class was stopped due to the fire in the nearby car park. As the fastest round at this stage in the competition and very near the end of the class, Sanne’s time was judged the winner with Irishman, Shane Breen taking second and William Funnell claiming third.

Show President Nina Barbour paid tribute to her fantastic effort. “It was a remarkable and brave performance by Sanne,” said Nina. “Sadly, we didn’t get to celebrate her performance after she rode with such skill and determination to win a very competitive world-ranking class a day after she suffered such a terrible loss." 

“It was truly outstanding, and she should be very proud of her victory.”

Text and picture © Liverpool International Horse Show