The second CSIO5* class of the Brussels Stephex Masters brought top sport and high drama under the evening lights, as 61 combinations battled in the CSIO5* Presented by Equihome (1.50m) — the first qualifying opportunity for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi.

The early clear rounds came from Eduardo Pereira de Menezes (BRA) with Messi’s Whizz Kid PS in 71.68, followed by home rider Jos Verlooy (BEL) on Renshaw van’t Meulenhof. Christian Ahlmann (GER) then raised the bar with a lightning-fast clear in 68.86 aboard D’Aganix 2000 Z, briefly taking over the lead.

But the night kept getting faster. Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE) and Chacco Bay stormed into the lead with an incredible 68.44, before Belgium’s Jérôme Guery delighted the home crowd, guiding Careca LS Elite to an even quicker 67.93 to claim the provisional top spot.

In the end, it was Great Britain’s Olympic champion Ben Maher who proved untouchable. Riding the brilliant Ginger-Blue, he delivered a masterclass of speed and precision, stopping the clock at 66.05 seconds to secure victory.

With 15 clears in total, the class was a true showcase of world-class show jumping, with names such as Pilar Lucrecia Cordón (ESP), Daniel Deusser (GER), Kyle Timm (CAN), Jessica Springsteen (USA), Eve Jobs (USA), Niels Bruynseels (BEL), and Nina Mallevaey (FRA) also producing faultless rounds.

Final Podium — CSIO5* Presented by Equihome
🥇 Ben Maher (GBR) & Ginger-Blue — 66.05
🥈 Jérôme Guery (BEL) & Careca LS Elite — 67.93
🥉 Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE) & Chacco Bay — 68.44

The competition in Brussels is heating up, with riders now looking ahead to Friday’s Nations Cup of Belgium and, ultimately, Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix presented by Audi — the grand finale of the 2025 Rolex Series.