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France dominates, Belgium strong runner-up once again
At the Brussels Stephex Masters, Belgium secured a strong second place in the CSIO5* Henders & Hazel Nations Cup, presented by STX Finance, just like last year. France proved untouchable with a total of only 4 penalties, Belgium followed with 9, and Switzerland, last year’s winners, completed the podium with 12.
For France, a new generation of young stars rose to the occasion. Nina Mallevaey (Dynastie de Beaufour), just 25 years old, is already French Champion and leads the U25 world ranking. Alongside her, 24-year-old Jeanne Sadran (Dexter de Kerglenn), former employer and close friend of Mallevaey, showed her class. Antoine Ermann (Floyd des Pres), also 24, grew up in his family’s breeding stables and only competed in his second CSIO5* Nations Cup here in Brussels. Ermann and Mallevaey both delivered double clear rounds, while Sadran only dropped a rail in the second round. Adding to the team’s backbone was nearly 60-year-old Roger Yves Bost, the experienced anchor. Out of all competitors, only five riders managed to jump double clear, and France delivered two of them.
A win thanks to the European Championship
That such a young team could win the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup, presented by STX Finance, so convincingly was explained by Chef d’Equipe Edouard Couperie as a result of their talent and their recent European Championship experience:
“That was a valuable learning curve for the three youngsters. We finished seventh there and they took a lot from it. The proof was on show here at the Brussels Stephex Masters. The horses have the quality, the riders the talent – and now also the experience. In the Belgian Nations Cup, they were rewarded for it.”
At the press conference, Nina Mallevaey made a point of thanking organizer Stephan Conter:
“My two clear rounds were for France and for Stephan, to whom I am forever grateful. At a time when I was looking for work, he gave me opportunities through his connections. Thanks to him, I am now competing at five-star level.”
Belgium climbs from seventh to second place
The Belgian jumping team, crowned European champions just last month, came into their home Nations Cup as the clear favorites. But their start was dramatic: first rider Pieter Devos (Casual DV Z) was eliminated after two refusals in the triple combination. Gilles Thomas (Ermitage Kalone) and Thibeau Spits (Impress-K Van’t Kattenheye Z) both kept a clean sheet, while final rider Gregory Wathelet (Bond Jamesbond de Hay) only had one rail down at the plank after the water. Still, Belgium found themselves in seventh place after the first round. In the second round, Devos decided not to start again, putting the welfare of his horse first. Thomas had one down at the oxer, while Spits and Wathelet delivered flawless clear rounds. Their strong comeback lifted Belgium all the way to second place, though still at a safe distance behind France.
“We were well aware of our status, and expectations were rightly high. Today, with Pieter Devos, we once again saw how unpredictable this sport can be. That aside, we have to admit that France was outstanding. They deserved the win,” concluded 24-year-old Thibeau Spits, himself one of Belgium’s promising young talents.
His teammate Gregory Wathelet, 45, emphasized the unprecedented depth of Belgian showjumping. “Today we finished second with just three riders, while the chef d’équipe still has several very strong combinations waiting in the wings. The way youngsters like Gilles Thomas and Thibeau Spits delivered under pressure after such a difficult start says a lot about their professionalism and maturity.”
Organizer Stephan Conter and Danny van den Bosch of Henders & Hazel joined forces as partners, sharing the same passion for the Nations Cup. For both, the team competition represents the most beautiful and ultimate format in showjumping.
Day 4 preview: Grand Prix action kicks off and last chance to qualify
On Day 4, the first Grand Prix classes are on the program in the CSI1* and CSI2*. While the Nations Cup horses usually enjoy a rest day, the riders certainly do not. 8:30 p.m. they return to the Grand Place Arena for a spectacular 1.50m class with jump-off. This class is also the very last chance to qualify for Sunday’s prestigious Rolex Grand Prix, presented by Audi.
Last year, it was a highlight for the home team Stephex Stables. Their very own rider Daniel Deusser took the win with Tobago Z after a thrilling jump-off that was decided by fractions of a second. Steve Guerdat (Is-Minka) claimed second place, while Harrie Smolders (Mr Tac) finished third.
Don’t’ miss out. You can join the Brussels Stephex Masters, a Rolex Series event, for free!
