The 2026 Longines Tops International Arena Summer Classic got underway in spectacular fashion as an international field of 46 combinations descended on Valkenswaard for the opening CSI4* 1.50m speed class. With world-class sport, vibrant entertainment and the unrivalled facilities of the Longines Tops International Arena setting the scene, spectators were treated to a thrilling first day where fractions of a second proved the difference between victory and defeat.

Britain's Harry Charles wasted no time stamping his authority on the opening international class of the weekend. Riding the talented Bandit, Charles produced a beautifully judged clear round, stopping the clock in a blistering 60.40 seconds to claim the big CSI4* victory of the Summer Classic day 1.

An elated Harry Charles said after his victory: “Very happy to win, bandit has been very good the last few shows. Always pretty fast but an unfortunate fence down so nice to finally get a good win. Great show, great facilities, lot of fun! It’s nice to be able to bring so many horses and get to work at a show which is really appreciated so it’s a great way to start the show and we are looking forward to the rest of the summer festival at Valkenswaard."

Germany's Daniel Deusser looked every inch a challenger aboard Bingo Ste Hermelle, producing another faultless performance in 62.91 seconds, while Brazil's Felipe Amaral completed the podium after guiding Montissima PS home clear in 63.70 seconds.

South Africa's Charlie Bays continued an impressive afternoon with Ninety Stone Pullman, securing fourth place after a smooth clear in 64.82 seconds, narrowly ahead of Luxembourg's Victor Bettendorf and Gibbs Un Prince, who crossed the finish in 64.91 seconds. Frenchman Olivier Perreau delivered another polished clear aboard Leopard des Joanins Z to finish sixth in 66.06 seconds, with Monaco's Anastasia Nielsen adding to the international flavour of the leaderboard in seventh. Riding Dark Chocolate 48, Nielsen stopped the clock clear in 66.82 seconds.

Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa showcased his trademark style aboard Major Tom, finishing eighth with another clear in 67.11 seconds, while American Eve Jobs partnered Key West into ninth on 67.86 seconds. France's Robinson Maupilier rounded out the top ten with Irish Coffee, producing a clear in 68.33 seconds.

Just outside the top ten, Ireland's Denis Lynch and Junius vd Heffinck Z were clear in 69.00 seconds, while Dutch rider Willem Greve and Pretty Woman van't Paradijs N.O.P. also delivered a fault-free performance. The opening class demonstrated just how competitive the Summer Classic promises to be, with established stars and emerging talent separated by only fractions of a second. Among those unlucky to miss out despite producing clear rounds were Edwina Tops-Alexander and Fellow Castlefield, Nina Mallevaey aboard My Clementine, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann with Van Tastic, and Bas Moerings riding Ipsthar.

There was also drama throughout the class. Gilles Thomas saw his challenge unravel after collecting 12 faults aboard Qiara de Kalvarie, while Carlos Hank Guerreiro elected to retire with H5 Chilipepper Z. Germany's Hans-Dieter Dreher was eliminated aboard Vestmalle des Cotis, ending his afternoon prematurely.

Away from the arena, the opening day of the Longines Tops International Arena Summer Classic delivered far more than elite sport. Visitors enjoyed the venue's world-class hospitality, premium shopping village, family entertainment and outstanding facilities, with the unique atmosphere around the arena making Valkenswaard the place to be this weekend. From relaxed terrace dining overlooking the action to entertainment throughout the showground, the Summer Classic once again proved why it has become one of Europe's standout summer destinations for riders, owners and fans alike.

With the opening honours claimed and confidence high, the stage is now set for an exciting weekend of international competition as many of the sport's biggest names continue their quest for Summer Classic success in Valkenswaard.

CSI2* 1.45m - Lynch Wins Big Tour

After finishing runner-up twice during the morning's competitions, Irish star Denis Lynch made it clear that only first place would do in the Big Tour. Producing a fast, faultless round, he ultimately claimed victory in the class.

Riding the 11-year-old KWPN mare Katja (Etoulon x Otangelo), Lynch stopped the clock in 58.15 seconds. The 50-year-old rider remains a fixture at the highest level of international show jumping, improved on his earlier performances of the day. He now boasts more than 4,700 international starts and 222 career victories.

Saudi Arabian rider Abdullah Alsharbatly had to settle for second place. Riding Valentino (SWB, Diamantino x Careful), he recorded a time of 58.44 seconds, finishing just 0.29 seconds behind Lynch. Third place went to American rider Jessica Springsteen, who completed the course in 61.56 seconds aboard the 11-year-old gelding Cayman de Poteau Z (ZANG, Cayado x Casall). 

With three different nationalities on the podium, the Big Tour once again showcased the world-class level of competition that Valkenswaard attracts.

CSI2* 1.40m - Perreau Unstoppable: Frenchman Also Wins Medium Tour in Valkenswaard

Olivier Perreau made one thing abundantly clear: the French rider is in outstanding form at Summer Festival 1 at the Longines Tops International Arena. After earlier claiming first and third in the Young Horses competition, he added victory in the Medium Tour to his impressive tally.

Riding the eight-year-old Zangersheide mare Celeana des Joanins Z (Chacco Blue x Bamako de Muze), the 40-year-old Olympic team medallist produced a superb round, stopping the clock in 28.03 seconds. It was a time no one else in the field could match. The mare, bred from two exceptional bloodlines in Chacco Blue and Bamako de Muze, showed perfect harmony with Perreau throughout.

Once again, Denis Lynch (IRL) had to settle for second place. Having already finished second in the earlier 1.20m class, the Irishman came agonisingly close aboard Mr Newman (BWP, Cadeau de Muze x Jalisco B). His time of 28.13 seconds left him just 0.10 seconds behind Perreau. Third place went to Brazilian rider Camila Mazza de Benedicto, who guided the nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding Carrasco N89 Z (Clarimo x Andiamo) to a clear round in 28.87 seconds, completing the podium.

CSI2* Small Tour - Iñigo Lopez De La Osa Franco Crowned Small Tour Winner

The final competition in the beautiful sand arena at the Longines Tops International Arena provided an exciting conclusion to the day with the CSI2* Small Tour. Monaco's Iñigo Lopez De La Osa Franco took the lead early in the class and held onto it until the very end.

Riding the 10-year-old Zangersheide mare Desiree E Z (Dominator 2000 Z x Upsilon van de Heffinck), the 22-year-old stopped the clock in an impressive 32.01 seconds. None of the 32 combinations that followed were able to better his time, securing him the victory.

Qatar's Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi came agonisingly close to the win but couldn't quite find the extra speed. Riding the 13-year-old NRPS mare Isis (Bodubai x Labor's VDL Indorado), he crossed the finish line in 32.03 seconds, just 0.02 seconds behind the winner. Swedish rider Erika Lickhammer-Van Helmond completed the podium aboard Vanessa VHL (AES, Vannan x Comme Il Faut) with a time of 32.59 seconds.

CSI1* 1.20m - Australian Tang Triumphs in 1.20m Class

The morning competition in the sand arena at the Longines Tops International Arena produced an impressive result in the CSI1* 1.20m class. Australian rider Christella Tang claimed victory with a superb faultless round, finishing ahead of a strong international field.

Tang guided the 10-year-old KWPN mare Let It Be (Kannan x Cartano, bred by Stal Thijssen) to victory in an impressive 33.45 seconds. What made the performance even more remarkable was that Tang has only recently taken over the ride on the mare. Nevertheless, the partnership looked seamless as they delivered the fastest clear of the class.

The Australian rider has been competing internationally since the end of 2023, and her victory in Valkenswaard highlights her emergence as one of the sport's exciting young talents. Delivering such a polished performance so soon after taking over the ride is a testament to both her talent and adaptability.

Her winning round pushed Irish star Denis Lynch into second place. Riding Anchorman 5 (DS, Andiamo Semilly x Corsari van de Helle), stopped the clock in 33.96 seconds, just over half a second behind Tang. The highest-placed Dutch rider was Tim ten Berg, who secured third aboard Donna Libera (ZfDP, Dominator 2000 Z) in 35.07 seconds. 

CSI1* 1.10m - Rosanne Janssen Claims Victory in 1.10m Class

Dutch rider Rosanne Janssen added her name to the honours list with victory in the CSI1* 1.10m class during Summer Festival 1. The 29-year-old rider from Asten, North Brabant, produced a fast, faultless round to take the win.

Janssen partnered the 11-year-old mare Caprice K Z (ZANG, by Casago Z) to victory in 34.74 seconds. Having competed internationally together since July 2023, the pair's latest success marks another milestone in their growing partnership. Second place also went to the Netherlands. Tim ten Berg, who had already finished third in the earlier 1.20m class, continued his strong form aboard the 17-year-old KWPN gelding Edgar 50 (Guidam x Calvaro Z). He also produced a faultless round, stopping the clock in 34.87 seconds, just 0.13 seconds behind the winner.

Completing an all-Dutch podium was Bobbi Hulsenbeck, who rode Unzip d'Ick (SF, Diamant de Semilly x Adelfos) to third place in 36.05 seconds.

Young Horses - Olivier Perreau Dominates Opening Event of Summer Festival 1 in Valkenswaard

French rider Olivier Perreau made an immediate impact during the opening day of Summer Festival 1 at the Longines Tops International Arena. The 40-year-old Olympic team medallist secured two podium finishes in the Young Horses competition.

Perreau, who manages his family's stable in Vougy, France, and helped France claim team bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, was the fastest aboard the seven-year-old Selle Français stallion Jolicoeur des Joanins (Cicero Z x Untouchable M). The pair completed the course in 27.53 seconds.

They have enjoyed an excellent season, already winning several Young Horse classes. Perreau also claimed third place with the seven-year-old Oldenburg mare Comilla Z (Comilfo Plus Z x VDL Indoctro), stopping the clock in 28.06 seconds. Luxembourg's Victor Bettendorf finished second aboard the seven-year-old Selle Français gelding Jumbo la Roque (Mylord Carthago HN x Untouchable) with a time of 27.90 seconds.

Among the six-year-olds, the standout performance came from the CDE stallion Diamant de Chalina, ridden by Spain's José Fumero Hernandez, who finished fifth overall with a time of 28.90 seconds.

FULL RESULTS