IRISH horses and riders both featured on the top spot of the podium at Valkenswaard in The Netherlands over the weekend, as the venue hosted the Longines Global Future Champions fixture at Tops International Arena (July 31st to August 2nd) and saw four-star and two-star classes running alongside a schedule of national competitions.

Ireland’s Ciaran Nallon rode the eight-year-old Holsteiner mare Little Special in Red M to win Saturday’s two-star 1.45m speed class. There was a huge start list of 82, but the 24-year-old Mayo rider was undaunted and he set an unbeatable time of 66.64 seconds.

Next best was France’s Laura Klein, who placed second with the 10-year-old Holsteiner mare Oh Sissi, when they jumped clear in 67.45. Laura Kraut (USA) completed the podium, guiding the mare Tres Bien Z to a clear round in 68.25 to take third place.

Meanwhile, in the four-star classes, Saturday’s feature 1.50m Grand Prix Qualifier saw another win for Britain’s Harry Charles riding the ever-consistent 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse stallion Bandit (OBOS Quality 004 x Rockmount Sineen by Cruising Micky Finn), bred by Ted McKenna.

The pair jumped clear against some world-class competition and stopped the clock in 70.51 to take the win. Mathijs van Asten (NED) rode Hotspot into second place in 71.37, while Yuri Mansur (BRA) and Vitiki completed the podium in third when clear in 71.95 seconds. Philipp Weishaupt (GER) and Kilmister took fourth, with another German, Marcus Ehning riding Stargold into fifth place and Bassem Mohammed (QAT) and Wathnan Issem completed the top six.

“I couldn’t really ask for much more,” said Charles afterwards. “We’ve had a super run at these shows in Valkenswaard and Bandit has been in incredible form.

““Four wins from his last five 1.50m classes says it all really. He’s feeling great, so hopefully we can keep that momentum going.”