Gilles Thomas: The Season That Gave Him Wings

Consistency made him unstoppable. Composure made him Champion.

In the 19-year history of the Longines Global Champions Tour, few seasons have captured hearts and headlines quite like this one. At just twenty-seven years old, Belgium’s Gilles Thomas has etched his name into the record books as the youngest ever LGCT Champion, securing the title with two stages still to come – the earliest any rider has done so in more than a decade.

While Rabat and Riyadh still awaited, Thomas’ lead on the leaderboard was already untouchable. It was the product of a campaign built on consistency, composure, and a remarkable partnership with a string of world-class horses. From Shanghai to St. Tropez, Paris to Rome, Thomas has ridden with quiet precision and purpose, delivering performances that defined what it means to be a modern Champion.

The season began with promise in Shanghai, where Thomas and Luna van het Dennehof finished second in the LGCT Grand Prix - the first sign that something special was unfolding. Weeks later in St. Tropez, the 9-year-old Qalista DN stepped onto the world stage, finishing fourth in her debut LGCT Grand Prix and announcing herself as one of the most exciting young horses on the circuit. Bred from Emerald van ’t Ruytershof - winner of the LGCT Grand Prix of Chantilly in 2017 - Qalista combines class, blood, and power, qualities that shone through as she carried Thomas to multiple podiums later in the year.

Then came Paris. Beneath the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, Thomas and Ermitage Kalone delivered a masterclass of control and courage, claiming his first-ever LGCT Grand Prix victory in breathtaking style. It was a defining moment, not just for Thomas, but for the entire season - the point where the balance between talent and belief clicked into place. “Getting this armband quite early in the season? Maybe it gave me some wings,” he smiled later in Rome. “I was very motivated and focused on every LGCT Grand Prix, and I liked the pressure of being the leading rider – it means everything to win it.”

Momentum followed. In Valkenswaard, Qalista DN rose once more to the challenge with a third-place finish, before the pair soared to victory under the New York skyline, sealing another unforgettable LGCT Grand Prix win. By Rome, Thomas’ rhythm was unstoppable - a flawless round with Qalista secured second place and, with it, the Championship crown.

His 2025 campaign reads like a masterclass in strategic riding. LGCT riders can compete in as many LGCT Grand Prix events as they choose throughout the season, but only their top eight results count toward the Championship standings. Once they compete in more than eight, their lowest scores begin to drop off - rewarding consistency, precision, and long-term planning. For Thomas, whose season featured eight top-ten finishes including two wins and multiple podiums, it’s no surprise the numbers tell the story of a Champion: 287 points to Harrie Smolders’ 246 and Andreas Schou’s 221.

Four horses contributed to his season’s success - Elfra van Beek Z, Luna van het Dennehof, Ermitage Kalone, and Qalista DN - a rare testament to both depth and horsemanship. Each played a role in shaping a season of precision, partnership, and poise. Managing multiple top-level horses across continents is no easy feat, yet Thomas’ ability to bring out their best in the sport’s most pressurised moments set him apart.

Fellow competitors have been quick to recognise the scale of his achievement. “He’s very cool in the head, a fantastic rider,” said two-time LGCT Champion Harrie Smolders. “He’s a top jockey – very talented, with a super string of horses.” Maikel van der Vleuten echoed the sentiment: “He’s incredible – always quiet, focused, with two feet on the ground. I have a lot of respect for him.” And from another former Champion, Scott Brash, came the hallmark of recognition from the sport’s elite: “Gilles is a fantastic rider and horseman – solid under pressure and an amazing season. He deserves every success, and it’s a testament to him and his whole team.”

Through it all, Thomas has remained grounded, gracious, and quietly driven. Speaking after being crowned Champion in Riyadh, he reflected: “Honestly, it’s hard to put into words. To become the youngest LGCT Champion ever is something I could only dream of. This season has been full of challenges and incredible moments, and to stand here at the end of it all with this title is unbelievable. It’s a reward for so much hard work from my whole team, my horses, and everyone who supports me. The Longines Global Champions Tour is such a unique circuit – every event feels special, every arena is different, and the level of competition is unbelievable. To compete alongside riders I grew up watching is a privilege, and to now be among them as Champion is something I’ll never forget. This Tour pushes all of us to be our absolute best.”

Driven, disciplined, and humble in victory, Gilles Thomas has come of age on the Longines Global Champions Tour. His 2025 season will be remembered not only for the titles and triumphs, but for the spirit in which he earned them – calm under pressure, connected to his horses, and unwavering in pursuit of excellence.

A new generation has arrived at the top of the sport. And for Gilles Thomas, the season that gave him wings may just be the beginning of a legacy that will fly far beyond 2025.

The 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour may be over – but the story continues.
Join us on tour in 2026 and experience world-class sport, style, and spectacle in some of the most iconic destinations on earth.

→ Sign up now to be the first to hear when 2026 tickets go on sale