Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z are in position to become the top pair of this 5* Nations Cup season.
On Wednesday, August 28th, the 10th anniversary edition of the Brussels Stephex Masters (Wolvertem) begins. For five days, you can enjoy show jumping at the highest level. One of the highlights is the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup on Friday evening, August 30th.
Nine national teams will compete in an incredibly thrilling contest. The Belgian riders are eager to win after 20 years without a Nations Cup victory on home soil. The competition is tough, with many Olympic medalists taking part. However, along with a passionate crowd, Team Belgium has some strong assets up its sleeve.
Team Belgium
For the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup, each country will put forward four pairs of riders and horses. The final selection will only be announced on Thursday evening. However, we already have a longlist of five contenders. This year, those are Niels Bruynseels with Origi VD Vosberg, Olivier Philippaerts with H&M Miro, Jérôme Guery with Careca LS Elite, Pieter Devos with Casual DV Z, and the Olympic duo Wilm Vermeir and IQ van het Steentje.
The final decision is up to Chef d’Équipe Peter Weinberg: “At the moment, the plan is for Niels, Olivier, Wilm, and Pieter to compete on Friday. I have full confidence in these riders, and their horses are in top form. For this Nations Cup on home soil, I have chosen combinations with nerves of steel, and that will certainly be necessary. Last year, our result in the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup was rather disappointing. We are absolutely determined to deliver a top performance for the Belgian fans.“
A historic record for Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z?
During the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup, Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z could play a key role. This season, the bar has been set incredibly high, both literally and figuratively. Eleven combinations managed to complete both rounds of a 5* Nations Cup without faults twice. Two of them will compete in Wolvertem: the current world number one, Henrik von Eckermann with Iliana, and local rider Pieter Devos with his 9-year-old mare Casual DV Z. They could be the first to achieve three double clear rounds. If they succeed, Casual DV Z would become the first horse of her age to accomplish this feat in at least 14 years. She is undoubtedly an exceptional talent. An interesting detail: Casual DV Z was born at Pieter Devos’ stable and is the daughter of his former top mare Just Me D.
Olympic reunion
Just weeks after the Olympic Games, several medal winners will once again compete at the highest level during the Brussels Stephex Masters. This means tough competition for the Belgian riders.
Two members of the gold-medal-winning British team, Ben Maher and Scott Brash, will be heading to Wolvertem. Brash will also bring Hello Jefferson, the Belgian-bred horse (by Bernard Mols – Zoersel) that helped him secure victory. On the list for Team France, we find Olivier Perreau with GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly, who won team bronze in their home country. Switzerland is counting on, among others, individual silver medalist Steve Guerdat.
In addition, Sweden, Argentina, Ireland, the Netherlands, and defending champion Germany will also compete (photos below). Although they aren’t bringing any medals, that might make them even more dangerous. Peter Weinberg comments: “All the participating nations are having a strong season. Anyone can win. But in my opinion, Sweden is a major contender. They have been the team to watch for years, but they fell short at the Olympic Games. I expect them to be out for revenge and ready to compete with full force. I’m also keeping an eye on Ireland. They’ve had a very strong and consistent season so far.“
Fans
The Henders & Hazel Nations Cup will take place on Friday, August 30th, at 7:45 PM during the Brussels Stephex Masters in Wolvertem. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the competition for free. Don’t forget to bring your flag to cheer your national team on to victory.
For those who can’t attend, the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup can be watched live on Horse & Country TV and ClipMyHorse.com.
Brussels Stephex Masters
In addition to the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup, there’s much more top-level sport to enjoy at the Brussels Stephex Masters. From Wednesday, August 28th, to Sunday, September 1st, international competitions for young horses, promising riders, and the absolute elite will take place across two arenas. Besides Friday evening’s Nations Cup, another highlight is the Rolex Grand Prix Presented by Audi. This event will conclude the event on Sunday afternoon, September 1st, and can be watched live on RTBF, Horse & Country TV, ClipMyHorse.com, and the event’s website.
Check out the full program: www.stephexevents.com!
