March defined by consistency of Flanders References
March kicked off with energy and Flanders References wasted no time making their mark. Week after week, they popped up in the rankings across Europe and the U.S.. From big wins in Ocala to strong finishes in Lier, Vejer and beyond.
Across the Atlantic, the spotlight shone brightly on Kawir MS (Comme Il Faut, 2016), who delivered a flawless double victory in Ocala under J. Petersen. Winning twice at 1.40m level, including an impressive €6,404 class. Not far away in Wellington, Quinci Quality (Cornet Obolensky, 2016) added a strong 2nd place in a competitive 1.45m with J. Torano, proving that Flanders horses continue to thrive on the biggest stages in the United States.
Back in Europe, Spain once again provided a fertile ground for success. Grand Prix DK (Vigo d’Arsouilles, 2016) made a statement in Vejer de la Frontera, taking victory in the 1.40m before returning later in the month to secure another podium finish. Meanwhile, the ever-consistent Torento M (Emerald van ’t Ruytershof, 2019) added another placing to his growing record in Gorla Minore, confirming his steady development as one to watch.
Belgium and the Netherlands played host to some standout performances as well. In Lier, Gaudi de Hus (Toulon, 2016) showed both resilience and peak form, first placing 6th at 1.45m, then returning a week later to take a convincing win in the same class with Axel Vandoorne. That kind of progression within a single show is exactly what defines top sport horses. At the same venue, Graal un Prince (Kannan, 2016) continued his consistent run with another top-5 finish at 1.45m.
Further north, Cosinus LVP Z (Corico Z, 2017) claimed a strong 3rd place in Herning with Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, adding a touch of experience and precision at 1.40m level. In France, Georgia Z (George Z, 2016) and Only One van de Fruitkorf (Andiamo, 2014) both contributed with solid placings.
Italy also joined the list of highlights, where Ding Dong van Overis Z (Diamant de Semilly, 2015) maintained his reliable form with two consistent placings in Arezzo under Bart Lips. And at the highest level, Rossi vd Heffinck (Diamant de Semilly, 2017) stepped up in Gorla Minore to secure a top-10 finish in a demanding 1.50m class with Michael McAuley.
The next generation continued to make its presence felt as well. Rinoa U.P (Bamako de Muze, 2017) jumped into the top five in a 1.45m class in Riesenbeck, while Cantalito GK Z (Canturano I, 2018) secured a podium finish in Opglabbeek, clear signs that the pipeline of talent remains strong.
What defines March is not just the victories, but the consistency: horses returning week after week, improving, placing and winning across continents. It’s this combination of reliability and progression that continues to set Flanders horses apart.
Torento M was sold in 2019 in the Flanders Foal Auction