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Anthony Wellens and Kendra Claricia Brinkop each claimed a CSI3* victory as the opening day of the Brussels Stephex Masters, a Rolex Series event, delivered a fantastic ambiance combined with international sport.
Two separate CSI3* 1.40m Two Phases Special classes were on Wednesday’s programme at the Brussels Stephex Masters, with victories for Belgium’s Anthony Wellens and Germany’s Kendra Claricia Brinkop.
Anthony Wellens takes the first CSI3* 1.40m win in the Sablon Arena
The first CSI3* 1.40m class of the day, presented by Dietz Blumen & Events, took place in the Sablon Arena and attracted 68 combinations. Anthony Wellens made sure the first of the two victories stayed on Belgian soil. Riding Cela Van Koekenhuyze, he produced a faultless performance and completed the second phase in 32.68 seconds.
France’s Antoine Ermann and Gamine d’Oscine finished second, also clear, in 35.47 seconds. Belgium claimed another place on the podium thanks to Yves Vanderhasselt and Merald Van ‘T Zorgvliet, who stopped the clock just one hundredth of a second later in 35.48 seconds.
Kendra Claricia Brinkop fastest in the afternoon CSI3* 1.40m
Later in the afternoon, the focus shifted to the Place de l’Atomium for the second CSI3* 1.40m Two Phases Special, this time presented by Maxamaze. From a field of 40 combinations, Kendra Claricia Brinkop proved fastest aboard Sniper des Lilas Blancs. The German rider remained clear and raced through the second phase in 28.89 seconds.
Belgium’s Seppe Wouters and Roxanne de Regor secured second place with a clear round in 30.77 seconds, while Brazil’s Camila Mazza De Benedicto completed the top three aboard Carrasco N89 Z in 30.90 seconds.
Brinkop has only been riding Sniper des Lilas Blancs since April, but the pair is already showing plenty of promise. “He is naturally very, very fast, so I don’t need to push him too hard. I can just use his natural quality and speed,” she explained after her victory.
For Brinkop, competing at the Brussels Stephex Masters also feels special. As part of the Stephex team, she highlighted the work that goes on behind the scenes long before the first horse enters the arena. “For us Stephex-riders it’s one of the most exciting weeks, as this is our home show with our home crowd. The biggest support is our team in the background. Everybody works for weeks before the show, just for these five days. Starting the show with a win gives me a lot of confidence and makes me really excited for the next couple of days.”
And there is plenty to look forward to. “I love jumping here. It’s one of the most beautiful shows in the world, with some of the best horses and riders in the world. The atmosphere, especially at night, is always incredible.”
With two CSI3* 1.40m classes producing two different winners, Wednesday brought the opening day of the Brussels Stephex Masters to a fitting close after a beautiful day filled with international showjumping. Tomorrow, the level steps up another gear as the CSI5* classes begin, bringing some of the world’s best riders and horses into action in Brussels.
