At his very first Grand Prix Longines Global Champions Tour, Thibault finished in second place. In New York, he stayed double clear with Pittmann van het Lilleveld. The victory went to Gilles Thomas with Qalista DN, just 0.69 seconds faster. Thanks to this podium finish, Thibault also qualified for the Longines Global Champions Tour Final in Prague.
It was a memorable weekend in New York. On Friday, Nicola won the Longines Global Champions Tour of New York with H&M Que Sera, also counting as the opening round of the team competition. Olivier with Nobel van de Vrombautshoeve followed strongly. In the second round, Olivier and H&M Miro had one rail down, while Nicola and Gadget Mouche stayed clear, securing the first win of the season for the Stockholm Hearts in the Global Champions League. The success continued on Saturday evening, when Olivier and H&M Miro finished second in the Champagne Piaff Trophy.
The highlight came on the final day: for the first time ever, three brothers competed together in a Grand Prix Longines Global Tour. With the New York skyline as backdrop, Thibault reached the jump-off and secured second place.
“For both Pittman and myself this was our first GP at this level. We studied the course, made a plan, and executed it perfectly. When your horse jumps like this, it feels easy as a rider. In the jump-off I had nothing to lose, so I went full speed and finished second. It wasn’t enough to win, but it was fantastic. Pittman only joined us in May, and now he delivers this at his first big show. I’m proud of what we achieved,” said Thibault.
Nicola reflected: “Winning the team competition with three inexperienced nine-year-olds was already special. H&M Que Sera and Gadget Mouche made their debuts and immediately showed their quality. But what Thibault achieved was phenomenal – his first ever podium at the highest level.”
Olivier added: “Of course, the team win was great. But the performance of the weekend was Thibault’s. To achieve this at your debut with a new horse is incredible.”
Father Ludo followed online: “It felt like a dream. Seeing three sons perform at this level with young horses is truly fantastic.”
Next up is the Belgian Championship in Zangersheide, starting Wednesday, with all four brothers competing:
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Olivier – Just Him
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Nicola – Derby de Riverland
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Thibault – Lyandro
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Anthony – Gabel d’Arvor
