Release date: 18/07/2018

Today the Young Horses had their Finals and gave the public some great sportive and exciting moments during the Longines Global Future Champions. Henk van de Pol scored a hattrick in the 8-year-olds Final. It was again Looyman Z (Zang, Numero Uno x Wellington) that was the fastest of the nine combinations that reached the jump-off. Henk was very happy with his gelding which is owned by his brother Bert Jan and W. Looymans. “He jumped really good and he is also incredible fast. This horse jumps everything you put in front of him,” said Henk afterwards. Bas Moerings, who had a successful event, finished runner-up in this exciting Final with the KWPN gelding Fasther (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Farmer). Ireland’s Ivan Dalton, who earlier won the Final for seven-year-olds, took third place with the SF mare Ambre Platiere (Mylord Carthago *HN x Quick Star).
Ivan Dalton won that Final with the BWP stallion Landiamo S. The stallion descends from bloodlines that are full of jumping genes. His sire Andiamo Z performed internationally on the highest level with Kristof Cleeren and Jean-Claude Vangeenberghe. Dam Viagra jumped internationally as well and here sire, Darco, needs no introduction. Runner-up was the Zangersheide stallion Corico Z (Coriano Z x Caretano Z) with Germany’s Angelique Rüsen. Belgium’s Karel Cox finished in third with Don Corleone III Z (Zang, Der Senaat III x Ideal de la Loge).
Britain’s Donald Whitaker, son of Michael Whitaker, won the Final for six-years-old. He rode the mare Chilli, owned by Thomas Willilams. “It is a small horse, but she has a very big heart,” said 26-year-old Donald. The runner-up spot also went to Great Britain, William Rekert and Hot Bluebird (KWPN, Plot Blue x Heartbreaker). Stal Tops rider Alberto Zorzi (ITA) finished in third place with the Zangersheide mare Adele Z (Air Jordan x Adagio IV).
Holland’s second win was for Bas Knijff in the five-year-olds Final. He passed the finish line in the fastest time with the KWPN mare Irocca van de Postbaan (Montender 2 x Colino). “In the beginning she was quite difficult but that makes me even more happy the way she has improved the past year,” according to a smiling Bas Knijff. Second place went to Holland’s Nadieh Plegt with Isanne (KWPN, Dakar VDL x Larino). Emily Sage finished in third with I Am A Harley (KWPN, Harley VDL x Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve) for Great Britain.
 
AJA Europe Cup
The AJA Europe Cup was won by Jean-Jacques Lorquet with the 14-year-old mare Quetsche du Breau (SF, Apache d’Adriers x Totoche du Banney). The charming Frenchman was very happy with his victory and loved Tops International Arena: “What a great event, super competitions and a perfect organisation. And I am so proud with the most beautiful and best girl in the world, Quetsche!”
Catherine Fowdrey (GBR) finished runner-up with Emalia (KWPN, Aerobic x Concetto) followed by Germany’s Stefan Schewe with Morlano.
 
Three perfect days and three more to follow. The organisation will have one day to prepare for the fourth event which will start on Friday.