Dutch Delight as Kevin Jochems Captures Valkenswaard 1.50m Jump-Off Win

The Longines Tops International Arena delivered yet another electrifying night of sport on day two of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard. In front of a packed and roaring home crowd, it was Kevin Jochems who rose to the occasion, seizing victory in the 1.50m 5* Jump-Off class with Shanroe Peeters.

The evening set the stage for pure drama as 11 world-class horse-and-rider combinations advanced to the jump-off, each one pushing the limits for top honours. With Olympic medallists, global superstars, and local heroes in the mix, the Dutch crowd was treated to a heart-stopping finish.

Last to go in the jump-off, Jochems produced a round of both speed and precision, guiding the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Shanroe Peeters (Dallas VDL x Condios) to the winning time of 42.38 seconds. His performance not only secured the lion’s share of the €56,000 prize pot but also completed a historic Dutch 1-2-3 on home soil.

The win came at the expense of his compatriot, Olympian Willem Greve, who had been leading aboard Highway TN N.O.P. with a time of 42.71 seconds. Known as the “master of faster,” Greve and Highway were denied back-to-back victories at Valkenswaard after recently triumphing in the 4* Grand Prix of the Summer Classic at the very same venue.

Third place went to Sanne Thijssen with her veteran partner Con Quidam RB, the 19-year-old Holsteiner stallion who proved he still has what it takes at the very top level. Remarkably, Con Quidam RB lifted the LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard trophy just two years ago, underlining his extraordinary staying power and legacy in the sport.

Kevin Jochems was visibly elated after his win, saying: “To be honest i didnt see anyone else’s jump off, I just asked Harrie [Smolders] what the possibilities were with the course.I did my best - and it was just enough!”

He went on to add, “I actually own this horse together with my best friend, we’ve had him since he was seven, so it is great to have this win together.” As for the home crowd? “The atmosphere is great, you can really feel it, and you can feel they want to win. It was special being last to go!”

First to go in the jump-off, Harrie Smolders and the classy Bingo du Parc set the bar with a clear in 46.00s. It was a clean and commanding round, but the time left the door open… 

Flying the flag for the Netherlands and former Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard winners, Sanne Thijssen and her iconic partner Con Quidam RB came out swinging. With ice in her veins, she soared through the course and laid down a red-hot time of 42.87s, igniting the home crowd.

With poise beyond her years, Jeanne Sadran guided Dexter de Kerglenn to a textbook double clear. Smooth and elegant, the French combination came home in 46.38s, but in this fast and furious jump-off, it wasn’t quite enough to challenge the leaders. Swedish superstar Malin Baryard-Johnsson looked in top gear with Hennessy through the opening line. They started strong and glided across the ground, but her pace faded through the mid-section, and their 48.67s was off the leaders’ mark.

It was all attack mode for Bas Moerings and the stunning Kivinia as they came charging out of the start. Flying into the double and keeping a relentless rhythm, they looked set to shake up the podium. In the end, their 43.95s placed them just over a second behind the early leader of Sanne Thijsen. 

Sophie Hinners has been on flying form with Iron Dames My Prins and she continued this streak clocking the fastest split time and looking set to challenge for the win. But heartbreak struck as the pole fell entering the double, landing her with 4 faults and a time of 43.35s.

Veteran Laura Kraut brought all her experience to the jump-off with the sharp Très Bien Z, keeping it tight from fence one to two. While not quite matching the searing pace of the Dutch leaders, her double clear in 44.03s was textbook clean riding.

The final female rider Celine Schoonbroodt-de Azevedo came forward with the bold Jacarta Equigenne giving it everything they had, delivering a fast and polished clear in 44.84s. It was another strong showing from the Belgian rider, though just short of breaking into the top five on this fiercely competitive leaderboard.

Home hero Willem Greve and the lightning-fast Highway TN N.O.P. looked destined for the win as they stormed around the track. Up by 0.13 at the split, the crowd erupted as he stopped the clock at 42.71s, edging into the lead -for the moment.

The talented Denis Lynch piloted the ever-reliable Brooklyn Heights to a double clear full of experience and class. Though slightly off the pace, their 43.82s round was good enough to go into third place with just one remaining. 

With the crowd on the edge of their seats, Kevin Jochems and the electric Shanroe Peeters delivered the round of the day when it mattered most. Last to go and chasing the time, the Dutch rider had nothing to loose, shaving 0.38 seconds off the lead to clinch victory in 42.38s. Precision, pace, and pure nerves of steel - this was a win for the history books on home turf.

With the Dutch trio standing tall on the podium, the Valkenswaard crowd will be sure to celebrate a night to remember. All eyes now turn to tomorrow’s headline showdown – the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard. Starting at 13:45 local time, the world’s best riders will be back in action to battle for crucial points in Stage 10 of the 2025 Championship race. With the championship fight heating up and legends of the sport ready to compete, it promises to be an unmissable afternoon of top sport.