Rodrigo Pessoa Delivers the Masterclass in the €105,500 Grand Prix of Valkenswaard CSI 4*

Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – July 12, 2026 – The curtain came down on the opening Longines Tops International Arena Summer Classic in spectacular style as an international field of riders battled for Grand Prix glory in Valkenswaard. Against the backdrop of buzzing hospitality, packed terraces, live entertainment and one of Europe’s finest equestrian venues, the weekend reached a fitting conclusion with a thrilling jump-off under sunny skies.

After a demanding first round designed by course designer Louis Konickx, five combinations returned for the jump-off, where experience, precision and outright speed would decide the winner. It was legendary Brazilian rider Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) as last to go who emerged victorious aboard Major Tom, producing two flawless rounds before stopping the clock in a lightning-fast 43.99 seconds in the jump-off to secure the Grand Prix title.

Mexico’s Andres Azcarraga (MEX) pushed the champion all the way aboard Contendros 2, delivering another double clear in 45.60 seconds to claim second place.

Germany’s Daniel Deusser (GER) completed the podium with Pepita van’T Meulenhof BR, finishing clear in 45.85 seconds.

Britain’s Sienna Charles (GBR) continued her excellent weekend aboard Chawton, producing a faultless jump-off in 48.10 seconds to finish fourth, with Jessica Springsteen (USA) taking fifth aboard Don Juan van de Donkhoeve after another double clear in 50.51 seconds. France’s Nina Mallevaey (FRA) looked set to challenge for the podium aboard My Clementine, but a single rail in the jump-off left the exciting young talent sixth on four faults in 45.40 seconds.

Australia’s Jamie Winning-Kermond (AUS) and Tulara Wat Colblensky finished seventh after collecting a single time fault in the opening round, while South Africa’s Charlie Bays (RSA) guided Ninety Stone Pullman into eighth with four faults. American Marilyn Little (USA) and Heidi von Imhoff claimed ninth, while Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf (LUX) rounded out the top ten aboard Gibbs Un Prince as the fastest of the four faulters. 

The Grand Prix once again highlighted the incredible depth of talent assembled in Valkenswaard. Away from the competition arena, the Longines Tops International Arena once again delivered a weekend that extended far beyond world-class sport. Visitors enjoyed exceptional hospitality, premium shopping, live music and entertainment, outstanding food and drink, and the unrivalled facilities that have made Valkenswaard one of Europe’s premier equestrian destinations. The relaxed summer atmosphere, combined with elite competition and immaculate footing, created the perfect setting for riders, owners and fans alike to enjoy the opening event of the 2026 Summer Classic series.

With another outstanding weekend of international competition complete, the Longines Tops International Arena now looks to the Summer Showcase from 24 – 26 July. 

Final Results – €105,500 Grand Prix of Valkenswaard CSI 4*

1) Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) & Major Tom – 0 / 0 – 43.99

2) Andres Azcarraga (MEX) & Contendros 2 – 0 / 0 – 45.60

3) Daniel Deusser (GER) & Pepita van’T Meulenhof BR – 0 / 0 – 45.85

Source: Press Release from Longines Tops International Arena

Photos: © LTIA

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