The brothers can look back on a particularly strong weekend. Olivier (H&M Miro) finished third in the 4* GP at Jumping Maastricht. Brother Nicola (Katanga v/h Dingeshof) jumped to fourth place in the opening competition of the World Cup. Thibault (Derby de Riverland) finished fifth in the 3* GP of Oliva. Earlier this week, Anthony already (Picobello Jasmine) finished second in qualifying for the 3* GP.
The family has a special bond with Jumping Maastricht. Ludo attended the very first edition in 1988. From the reserve list to effective participation with a win in the opening competition. In 2016, Nicola won the GP with Zilverstar T. One year later, Olivier also won that same GP with H&M Legend of Love. On Sunday, Olivier and H&M Miro stayed clear twice in the GP and finished third. "Maastricht is indeed a bit of a homecoming for us. I gave Miro a bit of rest the past few weeks in order to work towards this competition. During the first day I immediately felt that Miro was in good shape and he continued in that vein yesterday. In a jump-off with fourteen riders, I was the last to compete. I felt I was doing well, until I lost a bit of time in the last corner. First place was out of the question, but now I also missed out on second place. Nevertheless, I keep a nice feeling about Jumping Maastricht again this year."
A proper 1,000 kilometres further, Nicola and Katanga v/h Dingeshof took part in the opening round of the World Cup in Verona. After a clear first round, seven combinations qualified for the jump-off. Nicola and Katanga v/h Dingeshof were first to start. Their start was rather unfortunate as a pole fell out of the scoops on the first obstacle. In the end, they finished fourth. "Too bad about that mistake at the beginning of the jump-off, unfortunately I can't erase that. The most important thing I remember from yesterday is Katanga's form. After Spruce Meadows she had six weeks of rest. Verona was her first show and she was in good shape. Next week there is the final of the Global Champions Tour. With the shape she’s in now, she can perform there too. Later this year we will also ride in Geneva and of course in Mechelen."
Thibault celebrated his 21st birthday in sunny Spain last Friday. Thibault did not have much time to party. With fifth place in the Oliva GP and the best Belgian classification, he gave himself a late birthday present on Sunday. "Together with my brother Anthony, we have been in Oliva for three weeks with young horses. We want them to gain experience here for the future. I have been working with Derby de Riverland for about two years now. He is only nine, but at his first 3* GP he immediately finished fifth. That's strong."
