“Bringing this unique competition back to a country that so deserves it, was very important to us”
It’s the event equestrian fanatics from all corners of the world have been eagerly looking forward to: in a few days, Knokke Hippique, the spectacle by the seaside, finally kicks off. From Wednesday, the 22th of June through Sunday, the 10th of July, everyone is welcome to soak in the atmosphere at the stunning event location in Knokke-Heist. Come down to join the fun, to be amazed and, above all, to show your pride and cheer on your favourite athletes. After all, this year Belgium is finally welcoming back the most compelling equestrian competition of them all: the HENDERS AND HAZEL Nations Cup (CSIO5*).
HENDERS AND HAZEL Nations Cup on the 8th of July (14h | 2 pm)
After years of determined efforts, the Stephex team, joined by an equally motivated Belgian Equestrian Federation and supported by partner HENDERS AND HAZEL, has finally succeeded in bringing the prestigious Nations Cup back to Belgium.
Main partner HENDERS AND HAZEL is also overjoyed to back the revival. Supporting the Nations Cup was a no-brainer for the furniture brand, according to owner Paul Van Den Bosch: “I myself once had the great honour of competing for my country in a Nations Cup. The unique feeling this competition brings to riders and spectators is simply wonderful and unforgettable. That HENDERS AND HAZEL together with Stephex and the support of the Belgian Equestrian Federation can give this experience back to a country that tops the equestrian world in so many ways, makes us very happy. Belgium deserves to host a Nations Cup and hopefully we can continue to do so for a long time to come.”
Knokke Hippique organizer Stephex Events also considers the Nations Cup to be here to stay and is very happy to cooperate with HENDERS AND HAZEL. Stephan Conter: “HENDERS AND HAZEL has been a loyal partner of the Stephex Events for years, so we have built a very close relationship. The fact that together we have succeeded in bringing back an event that we both value so much, makes this revival even more special.“
Belgium goes all out
The Belgian relaunch of the Nations Cup has been received with a lot of enthusiasm. Belgian national television (Sporza) will broadcast the competition live and the anticipation among horse fans continues to grow noticeably. They can certainly expect a truly star-studded spectacle. After some great Nations Cup performances in recent months, home country Belgium can once again count on five class acts who will be teaming up for the win. Jos Verlooy, Niels Bruynseels, Pieter Devos, Pieter Clemens and Olivier Philippaerts are ready to make their home crowd proud, as is their chef d’equipe Peter Weinberg. The game is on!
Three weeks packed with equestrian highlights
Besides the HENDERS AND HAZEL Nations Cup, Knokke Hippique has plenty of other top events lined up. From the 22nd to the 26th of June, the 29th of June to the 3rd of July and the 7th to the 10th of July, visitors can enjoy the CSI3* Top Series, the CSI2* Super Cup, the CSI1* Prestige League and the CSIYH Future Stars (5-, 6- and 7-year-olds).
In addition, the final show week will wrap up with a bang. On Sunday, the 10th of July at 14h (2pm), one of the most prestigious competitions in the world will unfold at Knokke Hippique: the ROLEX Grand Prix, presented by AUDI. This top event, in which the world’s biggest stars will be competing, will also be broadcast live on Belgian national television (Sporza).
All Photos by Jeroen Willems
Press release