The Summer Classic CSI4* kicked off today at the Longines Tops International Arena for the first week of action in the Summer Festival.
Despite the rain, local and international talent were out in full force at the state of the art venue. As day one came to a close, the rain cleared just in time for the CSI4* Grand Prix Qualifier as the world’s best talent vied for top honors in the beautiful grass arena.
Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca took no prisoners aboard Don Vito. De Luca delivered a lightning fast round, jumping into first place. Khaled Almobty of Saudi Arabia was not afraid of taking a few risks, jumping a fast clear round and stopping the clock at 65.52 seconds, putting him tentatively in second place aboard his mount Spacecake. Germany’s Kendra Clarica Brinkkop made quick work of the course aboard Ma Belle, coming home a fraction of a second faster than Almobty to tentatively take second place. Belgium’s Wilm Vermeir made it look easy aboard Magic van’t Hulgenrode Z with a smooth, clear round.
Next in the ring was Brazilian jumping sensation, Rodrigo Pessoa. Pessoa gave a masterclass in the expansive grass arena. He navigated the course with precision and control aboard the ten year old bay mare Dhalida, taking the lead with 62.15 seconds, over 2 seconds faster than leader Lorenzo De Luca. When asked about his win with Dhalida, Pessoa said, “It was very good. She is a very fast mare.” He went on to say, “I saw the round of Lorenzo. I thought it was possible to win so I really tried everything and luckily we came out on top.” The Brazilian rider proved unbeatable, taking the top spot, with de Luca and Brinkkop finishing in second and third place, respectively.
Next up was Denis Lynch of Ireland. Lynch rode a smooth and clear round aboard Cristello but unfortunately could not claim his second win of the day. Germany’s Marcus Ehning delivered a beautiful, smooth round but his pace was not enough to take the lead from Pessoa, finishing in the top ten aboard DPS Revere.
Young Belgian talent Gilles Thomas entered the arena with Elfra van Beek Z. Thomas was looking for a win and took a risk to the last oxer but unfortunately had one down. Despite not being able to catch class leader Pessoa, Thomas showed what a promising talent he is. You would never know just how much younger he is than the giants of the sport like Pessoa. Last to go was Dutch rider Kevin Jochems. He found a good rhythm on course aboard La Costa but ultimately could not catch Pessoa, finishing in fifth place.
As day one drew to a close, riders and spectators turned out to enjoy dinner and a drink in the village at LTIA as a DJ set the mood. With sunshine on the horizon for the coming days of the Summer Classic, the weekend promises thrilling sport and a fun atmosphere at LTIA.
