Brazilians take first and second in first CSI3* Qualifier Knokke Hippique

Day two began on a high with the first CSIYH 5yo class this morning presented by Stephex Stallions. The young horses started their week here at Knokke Hippique in the Zoute Plage and were able to take in the atmosphere and surroundings of the main ring. The class was run as a clear round, giving the opportunity to take things a bit easier.

The 10 classes of the day were split across all three arenas. However, our new 2021 arena Plage M’as Tu Vu was quite a highlight. Both the CSI3* GP Qualifier and the CSI2* GP Qualifier took place there under the Belgian sunny skies. 

The Brazilians were on top form today, racing into first and second place in the CSI3* GP Qualifier, presented by Stephex Horsetrucks. Felipe Amaral led the way on his bay gelding Germanico T.  Eduardo Pereira De Menezes was slightly over a second behind him on his stallion H.Big Action. The Belgians were close on their heels and astonishingly the third place was awarded to two home nation riders, crossing the finish at exactly the same time! Dominique Hendrickx (BEL) and Marthe Heudens (BEL). 

Stephex’s own Emilie Conter (BEL) rode to victory in the CSI2* GP Qualifier, presented by Eland, on her stallion Clochard. Axel Vandoorne (BEL) did his very best to catch her time, but just missed out on the golden place by 00:11s. Mariano Martinez Bastida (ESP) took third place in this exciting GP Qualifier. 

After day two of week two here at Knokke Hippique, Alexandra Crown (USA) remains the overall leading 1* rider. The current leading 2* rider goes to Matthew Sampson (GBR) and 3* rider Eduardo Pereira De Menezes (BRA). However, who knows how things will look after tomorrow’s classes? 

Source: Press release Knokke Hippique