Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – July 25, 2026 – The battle for Sunday’s Grand Prix CSI 4* intensified on day two of the Summer Showcase at Longines Tops International Arena as a world-class field tackled the Speed Challenge Qualifier CSI 4* – 1.50m. With qualification and valuable confidence on the line, riders were forced to strike the perfect balance between speed and precision in a fiercely competitive contest.
It was Brazil’s Stephan de Freitas Barcha (BRA) who emerged victorious after producing a lightning-fast round aboard the experienced Dinozo Império Egípcio. Stopping the clock in 67.69 seconds, the pair held off an inspired late challenge to secure the top spot by the narrowest of margins.
Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) came agonisingly close to victory with the promising nine-year-old Rolex ter Leydonck, finishing just 0.04 seconds behind in 67.73 seconds to claim second place after another polished performance.
France’s Simon Delestre (FRA), continuing his return to top-level competition, guided Gatsby du Tillard into third with another stylish clear round in 69.47 seconds. Just one tenth further back, Germany’s Sophie Hinners (GER) and Iron Dames Kaleni Jo continued their excellent form to finish fourth.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) delivered another consistent international performance aboard Lorenzo ES to take fifth, while home favourite Sanne Thijssen (NED) rounded out the top six with Os Le Petit Cheval, much to the delight of the Dutch spectators. The depth of the class was underlined by a host of world-class combinations producing faultless rounds, with tiny margins separating much of the leaderboard as riders fine-tuned their preparations for the weekend’s feature Grand Prix.
Final Results – €56,800 Speed Challenge CSI 4* – 1.50m
1) Stephan de Freitas Barcha (BRA) & Dinozo Império Egípcio – 0 – 67.69
2) Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) & Rolex Ter Leydonck – 0 – 67.73
3) Simon Delestre (FRA) & Gatsby du Tillard – 0 – 69.47
Source: Press Release from the Longines Tops International Arena
Photos: © LTIA / Stefano Grasso
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