After two warm days, we got a chance to cool down a bit today in Wolvertem. The weather gods are clearly in favour of the Brussels Stephex Masters because against all predictions, not a drop of rain came down. They clearly granted our public and our participants a great time. With competitions in 5 different categories and an exclusive foal auction, we had a varied program in store for them.
Kendra Claricia Brinkop wins the CSI 5* (1.55M | €100,000) presented by Audi
A motivational speech from Jessica and a perfect, strategic jump-off plan
A somewhat different program today. Because we ended the day with the long-awaited auction Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection, the main 5* class of the day was scheduled in the early evening. 44 competitors faced each other in the first 5* competition with jump-off. A challenge, as it turned out, because only 8 combinations made it through.
First to go was Peder Fredricson who with Catch Me Not S (Cardento 933 x Ramiro’s Son) immediately delivered a clear and superfast round. Next up: Kendra Claricia Brinkop and Do It Easy (Vigo Cece). This duo was already amazing in the biggest classes of Knokke Hippique and today they definitely did not disappoint. They sped around the grass arena but on the penultimate jump it nearly went wrong. A little tap against the Eurohorse vertical, but the pole stayed put: a clear round with a killer time.
Five riders and three clears later, she was still in the lead. Would the winner of the Hickstead Grand Prix do better? Gilles Thomas managed to keep his cool, but on the very last jump it went wrong for him. Kendra Claricia Brinkop wins the competition.
Overjoyed, Kendra told us all about her time so far at the Brussels Stephex Masters: « Before the start of the class, I was a bit irritated. I started here with a win, but then I got some unlucky fences down in my classes. Things were not going my way and that had to change tonight. Just before the competition I said to Jessica Springsteen ‘Jessy, tonight is our night’, to which she replied that one was definitely going to win tonight. That motivation clearly helped.«
A clever strategy also contributed to her victory: « I was lucky to be riding after a great and super-fast Peder. I watched his distances and strides carefully, came up with a plan and it worked out, although I was holding my breath when I got that tap on the second to last obstacle.«
Her victory also got Kendra the perfect car: « Did you know that just a few months ago I bought the Audi A3 Sportback that Daniel Deusser won here last year? This is the same model, but a hybrid. It felt great speeding around the arena. For a moment I even thought I hadn’t started it properly because it hardly makes a sound. Definitely an upgrade.
Stephex Exclusive Breeding Collection: World-class genes for worldwide buyers
Horse breeders, stallions, owners and riders with ambition, they are all looking for the best bloodlines.
Today, this was made clear once again at the foal auction with which we concluded the day accompanied by a huge audience. From the 14 foals out of the best Stephex sports mares, 13 found a new owner. With an average price of 42.000 euros and the auction’s number one, Wentolia Pommex (Chacco-Blue x Kracotte Z – Kannan), moving to France for 70,000 euros, this is a great result.
Remarkable: buyers clearly wanted to be there personally at the Brussels Stephex Masters because almost all foals were bought on site.
A new look for the Stephex Horse Trucks and Motorhomes
The Brussels Stephex Masters is looking completely different this year. A new event ground with freshly laid grass tracks, an ambitious, future-oriented breeding programme with a unique auction, state-of-the-art facilities for riders and horse trucks and motorhomes with cutting-edge technology: Innovation is part of Stephex Group’s DNA and this was once again highlighted today.
Just before the start of the last 5* competition of the day, owner Stephan Conter revealed a modernized STX logo for the horse trucks and motorhomes. The swoosh was replaced by a sleek design. But of course, a logo is not just a logo. It represents what is at the heart of a company. For the Stephex Group, that is simple: innovation and continuous progress.
Stephan: « At Stephex we are always improving and moving forward. That’s why we have worked hard to proudly present to you the only Belgian 5* show jumping event on grass. For 25 years now, we have been enhancing our trucks on a daily basis, so our clients and their horses can get to their destination safely and comfortably. It is important for us to showcase our innovative spirit to the world and we want it to be reflected in our logo. After all, Stephex vehicles drive all over the world bearing the STX logo. We can’t wait to take you with us on our journey towards success!«
Press release
