Shanghai has become the epicentre of Show Jumping this weekend.
During today's schedule, two CSI5* classes were held: a 1.45-metre special two-phase and a 1.50-metre class.
In the first of these, twenty-five partnerships took part, with Spanish rider Sergio Álvarez Moya finishing fourth with Be Blue, while Belgian rider Koen Vereecke took the victory riding Oilily de Muze.
It was in the 1.50-metre jump-off class where the Belgians triumphed. But why do we say this? Well, of the top seven places, five were taken by combinations from that country, with the exception of second place which went to Luxembourg (Victor Bettendorf riding Encore Toi Du Linon) and sixth place, which went to the Spaniard Eduardo Álvarez Aznar with Genaro Paulois.
Thus, first place was taken by Gilles Thomas with Chuck Marienshof Z, a combination that yesterday won the 1.60-metre GCL class, with Thibeau Spits rounding off the podium with Jazzy des Dames.
Fourth place went to Koen Vereecke with Oilily de Muze, while fifth place went to Niels Bruynseels with Origi vd Vosberg, with seventh place going to another Belgian, Nicola Philippaerts with H&M Que Sera.
Without a doubt, Belgium is one of the major driving forces in Show Jumping, experiencing sustained growth combined with a breeding tradition, genetic innovation and a top-tier competitive structure.
It's not a cliché, it's one of the most influential countries in the international equestrian sector.
