Edited press release from Longines Global Champions Tour 

Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) and Denver de Talma (Vigo Cece x Canturo Bois Margot) won the CSI5* 1.60m Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard at the sold-out Longines Tops International Arena after an electrifying jump-off between five horse-and-rider combinations. 

Home hero Harrie Smolders (NED) and Monaco N.O.P. (Cassini II x Contender) clinched second place much to the Dutch crowd's delight, while it was the current world number one Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and Glamour Girl (VDL Zirocco Blue x Caletto I) that rounded off the podium in third. 

An emotional Lorenzo de Luca was tearing up in his winner's interview, showing just how much this win meant to him and his team: “I felt everyone cheering for me, even if we stole the Dutch win. But I think we saw very good sport today and I am glad to be on the top of the podium. I believe so much in my horse and I really wanted to give him the best ride because he really deserved to win today. I knew that Henrik was going to be for sure faster, and especially with that horse. He is such an amazing rider, so I really tried my best.”

Securing his ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Riyadh later this year at the GC Playoffs, de Luca stated: “I will be going to the Finals in Rabat and the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Riyadh. We’re really focused on those two Grand Prixs now for the rest of the year. To win a Grand Prix like that [the LGCT Super Grand Prix], it would mean a lot to me, my team, and my owner who gave me so much confidence and such an amazing horse, and to end the year on a really good note.”

Having never won a 5* Grand Prix on the famous Monaco N.O.P, Harrie Smolders was once again within touching distance and told GCTV: “I am actually very pleased. It was a very tough class today with only five clears, and two double clears, so I am super happy. The jump-off didn’t go totally as I planned. I had wanted to leave one more out to the skinny and had one more to the last than planned. I had to switch during the course and that cost me the win. I am from this area and could feel the crowd wanted me to win and it is an amazing feeling with this atmosphere here!”

World number one Henrik von Eckermann was delighted with his result in the expansive grass arena, and said: “I don’t think I normally would say that I am happy with a third place, but I am because Glamour Girl did a fantastic job. She loves this arena and always jumps terrific here. So, a third place today is fantastic and I am so happy for Lorenzo!” 

After the 13th stage of the 2024 LGCT-season and with only two events remaining, Max Kühner (AUT) still leads the overall LGCT ranking with 234 points, while Christian Kukuk (GER) sits second with 209 points. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) is currently third on 199 points and Andreas Schou (DEN) holds onto fourth with 192 points, while Sophie Hinners (GER) catapults into 5th on 187 points.