By Jo de Roo

During the Brussels Stephex Masters there were showjumping classes for six-year-olds, as well as for seven- and eight-year-olds. The voice of the show, Senne Vandenberghe, predicted that it’s likely “67% of the young horse winners will grow into world-class stars”, when reflecting on the remarkable track record of these classes.

Senne continued by saying; “Of the 21 winners in the past eight years, no fewer than 14 have gone on to reach the very highest level of the sport. Five already impressed at the 1m50 level, and nine are now jumping at 1m60 level,” Senne explained.”
He went on to add, “Gilles Thomas has topped the class several times, with horses like Qalista DN (1m60), Lavanoche T&L Z (1m50), and Elfra Van Beek Z (1m50). Other 1m60 references include Berdenn de Kergane (Laura Kraut), Solid Gold Z (Christian Ahlmann), Stargold (Marcus Ehning), Instit de Jucaso (Jérôme Guéry), Diva (Emma Augier de Moussac), and Carlotta 232 (Emanuele Gaudiano). But perhaps the most striking story is that of Is-Minka, this Mylord Carthago mare won the seven/eight-year-old class here with Steve Guerdat, and returned last year to capture the CSIO5* Henders and Hazel Nations Cup presented by STX Finance with the Swiss team”.

Six-year-old future stars

The first class for six-year-old Future Stars saw 45 combinations participating, with victory going to the BWP-registered Toèmme de Regor, in partnership with Christian Ahlmann (GER). They completed both phases without faults, finishing in 31,85 seconds. Toèmme was sired by progenitor Chacco-Blue, number two in the most recent WBFSH sire ranking, and bred by the Veldeman family out of the globally highly regarded broodmare Centa de Muze. She is well known as being the dam of a series of top-class international showjumpers, including: Freestyle de Muze (5*), Horizon de Regor (5*), Inri de Regor, Imogen de Regor (4*), Kerly de Regor (4*), Melia de Regor (4*) and Ohaj de Regor, as well as of the approved stallions Toèmme de Regor, Toyboy de Regor, and Don Julio de Regor T40 Z. Toèmme is a stallion at Zangersheide and co-owned by the Melchior family.
Toèmme has already had a successful career in the sport. Last year, he was a finalist at the World Championship for five-year-olds in Lanaken. This year, he has competed in 10 competitions so far, jumping clear in every competition. His full brother, Toyboy de Regor, is approved as a stallion by AES and frequently jumps clear in international competitions for young horses, under the saddle of Pieter Kenis.
In Toèmme de Regor’s hoofprints followed Esperanza EH Z (Emerald van’t Ruytershof - Seagull x Stakkato), bred by EuroHorse. Esperanza is a half-sister to Victer Finn DH Z, with whom Mexican Eugenio Garza Perez is successful on the international five-star circuit. Dimme d’Haese and Esperanza remained clear in both phases, stopping the clock in 32,05 seconds. The duo has already collected six top-10 places this year.
Dirk Demeersman and Little Fellow Z ranked third, bred by Stable Cavallini by crossing the stallion Leandro VG with Daimonds Billy. Incidentally, it was also Dirk Demeersman who jumped at 1m60 level with Daimonds Billy. She produced, among others, the approved stallion Cote d’Or Z (with whom Demeersman performs at 1m55 level), Carrasco Z (1m50 level), Luigi (1m50 level), and the approved stallion Jewel ASK Z.
The second class for 6-year-olds held the next day saw victory going to registered Selle Français Jethro de l’Orle. He was bred by SARL Haras de Rabat and ridden by Mathieu Guéry. Jethro is by Ogrion des Champs out of Rafinée d’Amour (Apache d’Adriers), and Guéry only entered him for his first competition in May of this year. Previously, Jethro had been ridden by Thomas Leveque. Out of a total of 13 classes Guéry and Jethro have remained clear no fewer than 12 times, winning three showjumping classes outright. Jethro not only has a lot of scope, but he is also careful and fast.
Cailin VH Exelhof Z (Comme il faut - Harlise VH Exelhof Z x Harley van het Exelhof) took second place, ridden by Camila Mazza de Benedicto. Through her dam, Cailin is part of the Holstein breeding family 1129. Cailin was bred by Exelhof and has achieved 15 top-10 places in 22 international young-horse competitions this year, including three victories. The previously mentioned combination Dirk Demeersman and Little Fellow Z finished third...

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