A thrilling finale provided the perfect closing act for Jumping Indoor Maastricht 2025. Under the roof of the MECC Maastricht, everything came together: top-level sport, tension, and emotion. The stands shook as Belgian rider Gilles Thomas, aboard his nine-year-old mare Qalista, claimed victory in the prestigious 1.55m Grand Prix of Maastricht, the absolute highlight of the weekend.
A Masterful Course
Course designer Louis Koninckx had set a highly refined challenge for the riders. The lines were technical, the time allowed tight, and the margin for error virtually zero. Only five combinations managed to complete the first round without faults, earning their place in the decisive jump-off.
As the first rider to go clear, Gilles Thomas set the tone. The crowd erupted into applause as he crossed the finish line faultlessly. In the jump-off, he managed to raise the pace even further. His time proved unbeatable; none of the four remaining competitors came close.
Dream Horse
“Winning is always special, but especially here in Maastricht,” Thomas said afterwards. “Jumping Indoor Maastricht has been on our calendar for years, and I’m very happy to add this title to my record.” Thomas emphasized that all credit goes to his mare: “Qalista is only nine and doesn’t have much experience. This was her first indoor show after a good outdoor season. For her to win it straight away is almost unbelievable.”
Speaking about her character, he added: “She’s cheerful, fiery, and has a true fighting spirit. Very careful, but in the jump-off she gets even faster. That’s when she really jumps her best—when I can let her go a little. She’s fantastic, truly a dream horse to have in the stable.”
Robert Murphy and Christian Ahlmann Neck and Neck
Robert Murphy and Christian Ahlmann shared second place with exactly the same time. The British rider guided his thirteen-year-old Hulde G to a flawless round, while Ahlmann, aboard his ten-year-old stallion Dourkhan Hero Z, once again demonstrated why he has belonged to the absolute world elite for years. Danish rider Jenny Krogsæter finished impressively in fourth place with her fourteen-year-old Laurier, followed by Denis Lynch and his nine-year-old Chicago in fifth for Ireland.
The best Dutch result came from Johnny Pals with Zarkava Hero Z, who missed the jump-off by just five hundredths of a second after slightly exceeding the time allowed. Michael Greeve, Marcus Ehning, Katrin Eckermann, and Thibeau Philippaerts all secured spots within the top ten.
JIM 2026: November 5–8
With Gilles Thomas’s victory, Jumping Indoor Maastricht 2025 came to a magical close. This year’s event attracted 25,000 visitors over four days, who enjoyed both elite and grassroots sport. The organization wishes to thank all staff, volunteers, participants, and of course sponsors, with special appreciation for Van Mossel, VDL Groep, MECC Maastricht, the Province of Limburg, and the Municipality of Maastricht.
Jumping Indoor Maastricht 2026 is scheduled from November 5th to 8th.
See you next year!
Photos by Digishots
