Dermott Lennon with his own, Athletix Hero Z wins the first Big Tour, 1.50m 4*, for Ireland at the

Spanish Olympic rider, Eduardo Álvarez Aznar takes second place with ‘Full Option Van’t Zand’ and Belgian rider Gilles Thomas with ‘Luna Van Het Dennehof’, takes third.

There was an Irish victory here today at the Andalucía Sunshine Tour.  Dermott Lennon riding the very neat jumper, ‘Athletix Hero Z’, was the winner of this 4* speed class.  The 10yr old who is by Aganix Du Seigneur, had a foot perfect round with Dermott at the reins in this 1.50m class;  the first to be held in the David Broome grass arena this year.  The pair jumped clear in a time of 60.67s around the demanding course designed by Elio Travagliatti.

Eduardo Álvarez Aznar, who was the only Spanish show jumper at the Tokyo Olympics, rode ‘Full Option Van’t Zand’, beautifully around the course and took second place with his stylish round on this lovely horse who is by ‘Flamingo K’ and owned by Jos Lansink Horses.  This pair stopped the clock in 62,24s.  All in all, this was a great day at the office for Edu Álvarez Aznar, who also was top of the podium in the Big Tour, 1.35m class riding ‘Balasco de L’Abbaye’ and was also fourth in this same class with ‘Enjoy de la Mure’.  He then had another fourth placing in the 1.40m Medium Tour class, with ‘Engerupgaards Cezanne’. 

Continuing with the Big Tour class results,  two Belgian riders took the next two placings;  Gilles Thomas was third with ‘Luna Van Het Dennehof’,  whilst Gudrun Patteet was fourth with ‘Sea Coast Pebbles Z’.  In fifth was the German rider Kendra Brinkop ‘Malissa de Muze’.

These last two riders also had great results in the Medium Tour 1.45m class held in the lovely Hickstead, grass arena.  On the top of the podium in this class was the French rider,  Olivier Perreau with ‘GL Events Dolce Deceuninck’.  In second place was the Swiss rider, Aurelia Loser with ‘Anaba Haize’ followed by Kendra in third, riding ‘Narcos VD Smidshoeve’ and Gudrun, with ‘Sea Coast Donna Z’ in fourth.  In fifth was Irish rider, Jonathan Gordon with ‘Conchita’.

Another Irish rider having a great day today was Anthony Condon with ‘Ajaccienne’, who were the winners of the Medium Tour 1.40m class.  Second was Dutch rider, Doron Kuipers with ‘Hollywood VK’;  third Karim El Zoghby for Egypt, riding ‘F-Narcist’;  as noted above in fourth, was Edu Álvarez Aznar with ‘Engerupgaards Cezanne’ and in fifth was the German rider, Katharina Offel with ‘Elien’ .

These were just a few of the most successful riders at the Tour today.  In total there were eight classes, with over 1,000 horses taking to the rings across the CSI4* and the Young Horse classes.

In the 7yr old class there was once again two sections.  The winners were ‘Kristal’s Beauty B’ with Spanish rider Kevin González de Zárate and  ‘SJL Fizzy Tart’, ridden by Ellen Whitaker for Great Britain.  In the 6yr olds, there were also two sections and our winners were ‘Gilly Express DKS’, for Belgium ridden by Manuel Thiry and ‘Quintano Van’t Smiske’, with Swiss rider, Olivier Bujard.  The 5yr old winners of each section were ‘Renomee de Guldenboom’ ridden by the Italian Leonardo Daniello and  ‘Mega Coupe’ ridden by Carlos Bosch, for Spain.

Competition for the adult horses continues tomorrow, whilst the Young Horses have a break over the weekend to start up again next Tuesday.  Tomorrow there are 12 classes, nine of which are CSI4*, including the FEI Longines Ranking classes and also there are three CSI1* classes.  Once again around 1,000 horses will take to the rings and at the moment, there are 2,000 people accredited here at the showground,  a combination of riders, grooms, trainers, veterinarians, media and family members amongst many others.

The event is very kindly sponsored is by the Ministry of Tourism, Regeneration, Justice and the Local Administration of the Junta de Andalucía, Tourism and Sports of Andalucía (Consejería de Turismo, Regeneración, Justicia y Administración Local de la Junta de Andalucía, through Turismo y Deporte de Andalucía). 

For visitors there is no entry charge to the showground and free parking in distinct zones, is available.  There are five restaurants open to the general public where you can enjoy top quality local produce and gastronomy.  There is an equine based shopping area with everything you could need for you or your horse on offer, with a great range of quality products.  There is also a selection of clothing, accessories and other interesting things on offer.  Come and have a good look around.

If you are unable to attend you can see all the classes streamed live on our webpage,  sunshinetour.net or through the free,  Sunshine Tour App.