Release date: 13/07/2016

The third day of the Global Future Champions Week was reserved for the Finals for the five-, six-, seven- and eight-year-olds. Exciting competitions and talented horses were the ingredients for this great day.
 
Ireland’s Harry Marshal and his mare Follyfoot Dolce Vita DBZ (ZANG, by Diamant de Semilly x Canturo) were the proud winners of the first Final of the day, the one for the six-year-olds. But he was not the only one to feel very proud. Sallly Jobson-Scott,  owner of Follyfoot Dolce Vita: “I am so proud of this horse and, of course, of Harry. I bought her as a foal at an auction at Zangersheide. Harry rides her for three months now and it is going great. She has a excellent character, although she can be a bit cheeky now and then. She is a miracle! Since her first competition, she has not touched more than 10 poles.”
Holland’s Kars Bonhof finished runner-up with his KWPN mare Fuji (Verdi x Lord Lepanto). Previously 19-year-old Kars and Fuji won a six-year-old class in Valkenswaard on May 18. The USA’s Shawn Casady took third place with another KWPN mare, Cleopatra (Quick Star x Calato).
 
Edwina Tops-Alexander took victory in front of her home crowd in the Final for seven-year-olds with her mare Veronese Teamjoy (by Toulon). Veronese Teamjoy arrived at Tops Stables at the end of last year and Edwina did mainly dressage exercises the first few months to make her fit and strong. We started in our first competition in Lanaken in April. She is a brave, stable and strong horse, “ Edwina said afterwards.  Edwina thought the course was big, but very honedst with open lines and not super technical.
Belgium’s Tom Dhaeyere took the runner-up spot with the BWP gelding James vd Oude Heihoef (Douglas x Action Breaker). Tim Hoster finished in third place for Germany with Anna Jo (OS, Acodetto I x For Pleasure).
 
Kristian Houwen  of the Netherland won the Final for five-year-olds with his KWPN mare Giletto (Zambesi x Voltaire). “I did not expect to win at all,” said a very happy Kristian. “Last year she had a foal, so her training had a pause. But from day one on she jumped just great and I am so proud of her. She has a great character and really wants to fight for me. And… what a great event.” The USA’s Julie Welles was the runner-up in this Final with Vienna (Hann, by Valentino x Lordanos) followed by Lowie Joppen (NED) with Calvara DL Z (ZANG, by Calvaro Z x Contender).
 
The last Final of the day was the one for the eight-year-olds and was won by Germany’s Tim Hoster and his BWP stallion Izmir van de Baeyenne (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Nonstop). Tim was very pleased with his victory: “This is a real good horse,” said Tim. “He has is own style, but he really wants to work for me and he can focus. I hope to compete him at CSI3* Grand Prix level next year.”
The successful combination of Sweden’s Malin Parmler and her mare Dagma (KWPN, Tangeloo van de Zuuthoeve x Calvin Z) finished runners-up and Holland’s Frank Schuttert followed in third with Dy Zento (KWPN, Zento x Goodtimes).
 
On Friday 15 July the Global Future Champions Week will continue with competitions for Ponies, Children, Juniors, Young Riders and U25. Another great three days ahead!