Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival Week 2 Concludes with Spectacular Final Day of Action

Mdmar – Valkenswaard

The Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival Week 2 came to a thrilling conclusion, as equestrian enthusiasts witnessed an incredible showcase of talent and skill from some of the world’s finest riders and horses. With exhilarating competitions, captivating entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere, the event left spectators in awe.
The second week of the Summer Festival proved to be a true spectacle, with a multitude of gripping competitions and remarkable performances.
Aside from the intense sporting action, the Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival Week 2 also offered a host of entertainment highlights that captivated spectators of all ages. Attendees were treated to stunning displays, mesmerizing live music performances, and delightful culinary experiences throughout the week. The festival’s festive ambiance and bustling marketplace added to the overall enjoyment, creating an unforgettable experience for all.

As the curtains fall on Week 2, the excitement continues to build for the highly anticipated Week 3 of the Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival. Taking place from 28 – 30th July, this CSI4* event promises to raise the bar even higher with a thrilling lineup of competitions and entertainment.
In addition to the gripping equestrian competitions, Week 3 of the Summer Festival will feature an array of entertainment options to cater to all attendees. From exhilarating exhibitions to engaging children’s activities, the festival promises a holistic experience that extends beyond the show jumping arena.

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Tickets for Week 3 of the Longines Tops International Arena Summer Festival CSI4* are now available for purchase on the official website [website link]. Don’t miss your chance to witness the equestrian brilliance and thrilling entertainment that awaits at Tops International Arena!
CSI2* Grand Prix
Only eight of the 59 combinations remained clear in the selective first round, resulting in an exciting jump-off that proved too much of a challenge for some. The first three starters, Wilton Porter (USA), Gianni Govoni (ITA) and Felix Hassmann, failed to stay clear. That prompted Irishman Jack Ryan to decide on a round without too many risks. He went for faultless with the nine-year-old stallion Catch-Me van Berkenbroeck and managed to do so in a time of 45.63 seconds. The Qatarean Faleh Suwead Al Ajami did put in a good effort and also managed to stay clear with Victoria. They crossed the finish line in 43.44 seconds and taking the lead. But it was ultimately not fast enough, as it was Belgium’s Catherine van Roosbroeck who took the win by crossing the fences almost 2 seconds faster that Al Ajami. Van Roosbroeck flew through the arena with her BWP gelding Miles, crossing the finish line in 41.50 seconds.

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CSI2*

The top three of the 1.40m class, where riders rode their jump-off immediately after a clear round, consisted of a mixed company. First place was shared between Belgium’s Anne Carton-Grootjans and Brazil’s Camila Mazza De Benedicto. They both finished their ride in a time of 38.62 seconds. Carton-Grootjans did so with the Zangersheide mare Kayenne Z and Mazza de Benedicto realised this time with Crush On. Irishman Ivan Dalton came third with Plaisire d’Api in a time of 39.59.
The 1.35m class (against the clock) was won by American Wilton Porter with Janacek D. The 29-year-old, who trains with his horses at Jeroen Dubbeldam’s Stal De Sjiem, rode a nice round in a time of 62.52. Lukasz Brzóska came second with the nine-year-old KWPN mare Jernilla. The Pole, who runs KJ Brzoska Sport Horses with his wife Anna, stopped the clock at 66.21 seconds. German Stefan Engbers came third with Charlotta.

Young Horses Final
Five six-year-olds and 13 seven-year-olds managed to advance to the jump-off of the Final for Young Horses on Sunday morning. Dutch rider Joy Lammers had the difficult task of setting a target time as the first starter. That time, 42.32, held for a while until experienced rider Gianni Govoni appeared in the arena. At a furious pace, he went through the beautiful grass arena with his pretty seven-year-old grey mare Apart Z and stopped the clock at 38.39 seconds. But the battle was not yet won. German rider Felix Hassmann stepped up the pace with OS gelding Vithargos W. Z. The 37-year-old rider from Lienen managed to get through the turns smoothly and crossed the finish line in 37.80 seconds. The last starter, Frenchman Romain Potin, made another good attempt to come close to Hassmann’s time but had to settle for third place this time. He and the BWP mare Quinta Zwartepannenhof realised a time of 39.33 seconds. Best six-year-old was Heat Wave who finished in fifth place with Joy Lammers.
The Two-Phase competition for five-year-olds was won by Poland’s Lukasz Brzóska and the Zangersheide stallion Duc 123 Z (Dominator 2000 Z x Connor). He was the fastest of the five clear jumpers with a time of 35.26 seconds.

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CSI1* Grand Prix
The Grand Prix for the 1* riders had an exciting jump-off that counted 21 combinations. The course had long lines so there was plenty of pace to be made between the obstacles. Dutchman Daan Adams was the first to dip below 40 seconds, taking the lead. He flew over the obstacles with the 11-year-old SBS mare Ginette vd Kempenhoeve and stopped the clock at 37.61 seconds. This time eventually proved elusive for the competitors who came after Adams. Belgium’s Seppe Wouters came closest with his fast ride. He crossed the finish line in 38.12 seconds with Devino vd Weretherbach Z. This time was good for second place. His compatriot Leonie Peeters came third with the 11-year-old mare Maquinn vd Heffinck. Best Dutchman was Siebe Leemans with the stallion Gem vd Riloo Z. They finished in fourth place with a time of 38.30 seconds.
On Sunday, Siebe Leemans managed to get himself into the limelight again. In the 1.25m class against the clock, he improved the time of German Stefan Engbers, who was in the lead for a long time, by more than 2 seconds. The 17-year-old from Oost, West and Middelbeers steared his beautiful grey mare Plopsa Blue Z over the fences in 57.67 seconds. Engbers stopped the clock in his ride with the eight-year-old Hanoverian mare Calmia Bella at 59.90 seconds. Jan Vlemmix of Belgium and Moonshine came third in a time of 61.28 seconds.
In the jump-off of the 1.15m class, 15 combinations battled for victory. Frenchman Romain Potin was one of the favourites and he lived up to expectations. With his SF mare Brooklyn, he went through the course at a fast pace, clocking the fastest time: 37.24 seconds. Belgian Jan Boyen made another good attempt but still had to settle for second place with Espresso VK. Third place went to 15-year-old French rider Romy Orfait and her SF mare Byzance de Menge.

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The “Mdmar” website for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.