Gilles Thomas puts challenging Borek Prize to good use

The 5* 1.50m Borek Prize featured a technically challenging course in which the best 12 combinations qualified for the decisive winners' round. In this battle for victory, top Belgian rider Gilles Thomas grabbed the top prize with his nine-year-old talent Lavanoche T&I Z.

Only five combinations kept zero on the scoreboard, which meant that even fast four-faulters could still qualify for the winning round. That presented opportunities, and Thomas managed to make the most of them. ‘It was a tough test so early on Sunday afternoon,’ he told us afterwards. ‘Being one of the last in the first round, I had the advantage of setting my strategy well. I knew a smooth round with a bar could still be enough for the top 12. In the winners' round, Lavanoche T&I was in her element. She is naturally fast, and she proved that again today.’

Annelies Vorsselmans narrowly second
The Belgian flag flew proudly as Annelies Vorsselmans also rode a flawless ride with Trezeguet, which earned her second place. A great moment for her partner Jeroen Dubbeldam, Sport Director of The Dutch Masters, who watched with excitement from the sidelines.

Lillie Keenan again to top result
American Lillie Keenan, who won the Indoor Derby on Saturday, was also arrow-fast on Sunday, finishing third with Opium JW van de Moerhoeve TN. Best Dutch rider was Mel Thijssen, who jumped to fourth place with Juice. The top five was completed by Pieter Devos and Lente (BEL), who also finished clear.