A February to remember for Flanders References
February proved once again that Flanders-bred horses are a force to be reckoned with on the আন্তর্জাতিক stage, delivering standout performances across Europe and beyond. From promising young talents stepping into the spotlight to seasoned competitors holding their own at the highest levels, the month offered a dynamic mix of results worth celebrating.
The Spanish sunshine of Oliva set the tone early on, where Kameroen EB Z (Kannan, 2014) secured a strong 7th place at 1.50m level with Leonie Peeters, adding valuable experience and earnings to his growing résumé. At the same venue later in the month, Graal un Prince (Kannan, 2016) steadily built momentum, first finishing 9th in a competitive 1.45m class before stepping up impressively to claim 2nd place in the 1.50m under Matheus Ferreira Gomes Correa. Sharing that consistency, Nibali (Casallo Z, 2018) delivered two solid performances in the 1.45m, finishing 6th and later improving to 4th with Mariano Martinez Bastida in the saddle.
Meanwhile in Vejer de la Frontera, emerging talent Torento M (Emerald van ’t Ruytershof, 2019) captured a win at 1.30m level with Andrea Pisani, highlighting the next generation of Flanders horses. That same venue also saw a top-level podium finish for Gaudi de Hus (Toulon, 2016), who jumped to an excellent 3rd place in the 1.50m with Axel Vandoorne, one of the standout results of the month.
Across the Atlantic, Rocker vd Berghoeve (Indoctro, 2017) showcased remarkable consistency on Mexican soil. With Luis Roque Martin del Campo, he placed 5th in a 1.45m class in San Miguel de Allende, followed by multiple top-5 finishes in Zapopan, proving his reliability at a high level week after week.
Back in Europe, Kronenberg turned into a true showcase for Ding Dong van Overis Z (Diamant de Semilly, 2015). Partnered with Bart Lips, the pair dominated their classes with a victory in the 1.40m, followed by two runner-up finishes, one in another 1.40m level class and one in the 1.45m class.
Elsewhere, strong results continued to flow in. Empire SBK Z (Elvis ter Putte, 2016) secured a top-10 finish at 1.45m level in Doha with Rikke Belinda Barker, while Only One vd Fruitkorf (Andiamo, 2014) claimed 2nd place in Royan. In Valencia, Chacco’s Girl (Chacco’s Son II, 2017) and Cognac EB (Casall, 2015) both added valuable placings.
Graal Un Prince Domm