Another strong performance from Belgian youngsters at EC Vilamoura

After a successful start to the championships on Tuesday, it was the Belgians who dominated the Wednesday as well. This time it was their Children team, who rode incredibly well through Bernardo Costa Cabral’s tricky 1,25 meter course. Yari van den Branden with Gerard (v. Apollo van het Lindebos) and Nikita van der Meerschen with Impressario v/d Heccinck (v. Diabeau) ended in third and fourth place. The Italians took the lead, with Giovanni Vincoli winning the qualifier riding Qintara VDV (v. Quasimodo Z) and Nicolo Paolo Monari ending second with Touche D’Arrogance (v. Rash R).

With the second round for the Juniors over French rider Alice Laine and Emerald Sitte (v. Nabab de Reve) take the lead in the individual ranking. She is closely followed by Irish rider Tom Wachman and HH Fireball (v. Numero One d’Iso). Runner up is Ava Vernon for Great Britain, riding Jolie Fleur van de Noordheuvel (v. Cassini II), who won today’s Junior class.

After the first round of the Nations Cup the Belgian Junior team takes the lead, followed by Switzerland, Great Britain, France and Ireland. On Thursday the Juniors will ride their team final, while the Young Riders will ride their second round which will count towards their team result.

The Portugese grounds don’t seem to suit the Dutch Junior and Young Rider teams, with the Juniors currently holding on to tenth place and the Young Riders in sixth. The later unfortunately also looses their rider Rowen van de Mheen, who announced he’s being forced to withdraw from competing further due to an unexpected injury.

Curious after all the results and start lists? You’ll be able to find them here.