Release date: 30/08/2020

The final day of thrilling competition at the Global Future Champions today as the stars of the future were bidding for glory in young rider, junior, children and pony classes in the stunning setting of Tops International Arena. 
With perfect footing in the magnificent sand arenas, purpose-built permanent stabling and exceptional facilities for grooms and riders alike, young riders were making the most of the opportunity to learn and perform in a world-class environment.

U25
Belgium’s Alexander Housen could not have given a nicer present to the owner of his horse, Paul Mais of Van de Helle Stud, who celebrated his birthday today. Housen won the U25 Final with the approved BWP stallion Jilbert van ‘t Ruytershof (Numero Uno x Cartani) on Sunday morning. 18-year-old Housen, son of international jumper Camilla Hauglin and veterinarian Wim Housen, rides the stallion since April. “Tops International Arena is a top show and I’m always looking forward to come here. At almost every show here I was so lucky to win a class and that makes it even better to be here. I have Jilbert now for 4 months and this win is a really good start of our career. It was a nicely designed course and it had a fast jump-off. I am looking forward to the upcoming two weeks” Anthony Philippaerts had to settle for the runner-up spot with Jango S and Max Haunhorst, who won the class yesterday, finished third with Chaccara for Germany.
The other U25 class, 1.35/1.40m, was won by Australian Jake Hunter with Jativia.

Ponies and Children
Last year Claudia Moore finished runner-up in the Final for Ponies (1.25/1.30m) with Elando van de Roshoeve, but this year she had the fastest round in the jump-off. She defeated Belgium’s Charlotte Frederick with Easter. Third place went to Megan Li and Harry. 16-year-old Claudia, daughter of former chef d’equipe Katrina Moore, has had many successes with Elando. In 2018 she won the individual bronze medal and a silver team medal at the European Pony Championships and in 2019 she won a gold team medal with the British team. “I am super happy with how Elando jumped, he is an incredible pony with a huge heart who always gives you everything. He’s had a great show and to win the Grand Prix was the icing on the cake. It is wonderful for us to be jumping at Tops International Arena, I have always loved coming here and I think that it is an amazing venue, one of the best in the world, top class. Looking forward to coming back next year, only next time with the horses.”
Jef Peeters scored a hat-trick with Qatar Optimus in the 1.15/1.20m class and Germany’s Amy Helfrich repeated yesterday’s win in the 1.10m class with Fiorello. The Children’s class (1.20/1.25m) was won by Poland’s Iga Biegalska and Doravella.

Juniors
Belgium’s Roy Van Beek won the Junior Final (1.35/1.40m) with his BWP mare Mia v/h Hulstenhof and received a beautiful Longines watch for his victory. “It is always great to compete at Tops International Arena. It is a super accommodation and it was a pleasure to be here. My horse Mia v/h Hulstenhof was feeling good so I started the Grand Prix with great confidence. I am very happy to win here. I want to thank Tops International Arena for the chance we get every year to compete at this facility, Longines for the watch and Lamicell for the horse equipment. I hope I will get the chance to be back next year as Young Rider.” Runners-up were Dutch Senna Evers and Kerswin van ‘t Roosakker and her compatriot Iris Michels finished third with Flora.
The 1.20/1.25m class was won by Brazil’s Leandro José Abrahao with Cordovero by Marstyl.

Young Riders
The last Final of the Global Future Champions was the one for the Young Riders. Germany’s Sonke Fellenberg had the fastest round in the jump-off to win him the title. He rode the Westphalian mare Chakira TF (Congress 4 x Bormio XX). "The show is perfect for both the horses and the riders. There are always top conditions. The arena, the stables and the surrounding area is exceptionally good. Thank you to Jan Tops and his team for such a wonderful tournament. And it’s of course great to win the final at such a big youth tournament. A big thank you to my horse Chakira."
Runner-up was Holland’s Vincent Dings with Daylight followed by William Fletcher and Persimmon.
Victory in the 1.35/1.40m class went to Robin Bril with Kamilo vd Broekkant for the Netherlands.