James Connors Smyth & Elzandor Z Excel at Riesenbeck International

Barcelona, Spain – October 01, 2026 – James Connors Smyth (IRL) claimed victory in the €28,200 Big Tour Speed Challenge at Riesenbeck International CSI 2*, producing a faultless performance aboard Elzandor Z. The Irish rider and the 2016 bay Zangersheide stallion, by Eldorado vd Zeshoek out of a Zandor mare, crossed the finish line in 69.81 seconds to secure the top spot in the competitive speed class.

Smyth’s winning round proved just quick enough to edge out Germany’s Hannes Ahlmann (GER), who finished second with Madness. Ahlmann also kept all the poles standing, stopping the clock at 70.30 seconds. The narrow margin of 0.49 seconds underlined the importance of every turn and acceleration in a class where precision and pace were crucial to the final result.

The podium was completed by fellow German rider Felix Haßmann (GER) with Conthargos PS. Another combination to finish clear, Haßmann recorded a time of 70.64 seconds, just 0.34 seconds behind Ahlmann.

Final Results – €28,200 Big Tour Speed Challenge CSI 2*

1) James Connors Smyth (IRL) & Elzandor Z – 0 – 69.81

2) Hannes Ahlmann (GER) & Madness – 0 – 70.30

3) Felix Haßmann (GER) & Conthargos PS – 0 – 70.64

Source: Riesenbeck International

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.

Photos: © Riesenbeck International

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