Today marked an emotional moment at the Brussels Stephex Masters. In front of a packed crowd, Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z was officially retired from the sport. The audience fell completely silent as he was honoured for the countless unforgettable performances that made him a true legend. Alongside Daniel Deusser, and surrounded by the people who played such an important role in his career and life, Tobago received the farewell he deserved.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today we pay tribute to a champion.
A horse who didn’t just jump… but wrote history.
A horse who captured hearts and turned dreams into reality.
Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z.
Since the end of June 2016, he formed an inseparable partnership with Daniel Deusser. Before that, he was lovingly brought up by his breeder Jonas Bellemans, who knew from day one: this horse is special.
And special he was.
With 25 international victories, ten Grand Prix and World Cup wins, and twenty podium finishes at 1.60m level, Tobago has carved his name indelibly into the history of our sport.
We saw him shine in Aachen, shaking the world with his second place in the Rolex Grand Slam Grand Prix.
We saw him triumph in ’s-Hertogenbosch, winning the prestigious RGS Grand Prix.
We saw him excel with the team silver medal at the European Championships in Rotterdam.
Time and again, Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z gave us goosebumps.
In 2019, Scuderia 1918 joined as co-owner, and together with Stephex Stables a new chapter began. Tobago competed in two World Cup Finals and continued to amaze us, again and again.
But this tribute is not only about his past.
It is also about his future.
Here at Stephex Stables, his offspring is ready to continue his story:
Trixie Z, ridden by Emilie Conter, and Otello de Guldenboom, under the saddle of Daniel Deusser himself.
The magic of Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z does not end… it multiplies.
Every jump, every victory of his offspring carries his strength, his character, his heart.
Tobago, on behalf of everyone here:
Thank you for your fighting spirit.
Thank you for the moments.
Thank you for the memories we will cherish forever.
Today we honour your career… tomorrow your legacy begins.
The people behind his journey also wanted to share their thoughts.
“Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z has always held a truly special place in our hearts,” said Emanuele and Maria Anchisi, Founders of Scuderia 1918. “His extraordinary athleticism, remarkable character, and the unique bond he shared with Daniel made him an unforgettable icon, a horse that has moved us deeply, time and again. Now, he deserves to enjoy a well-earned rest.”
Stephan Conter said: “He was fast, and he could jump anything you asked. This is a partnership I can only hope we will find again one day.”
And finally Daniel explained: “There was a moment when I was doubting how far this horse could go, but over the last couple of days, when checking his results, you actually realize how special he was. He was not only a friend and a partner, but also a kind of teacher. He taught me a lot about the sport and helped me enormously in my career. In the end, I can only thank him. I also want to thank my grooms, the breeder, and especially Stephan and Emanuel. I’m grateful for them trusting me with this horse.”
As Tobago leaves the competition ring for the last time, his story continues through his offspring and through the memories he gave to all who were fortunate enough to see him in action. The Stephex Masters crowd said farewell with a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to a horse that has defined an era.
Thank you, Tobago.
