Rising Aranix, Duel Mood Z and Cybele Bel Z victorious

12 June 2025

After earlier victories in Koningsbosch and Kessel, the KWPN-approved stallion Rising Aranix claimed his third win in the Stal Hendrix competition. At the final selection round in Meerlo, the four-year-old stallion topped the leaderboard once again. Among the five- and six-year-olds, Duel Mood Z and Cybele Bel Z delivered the winning performances. With this final qualifier completed, the list of horses advancing to the finals has been confirmed.

Judges Hans Dings and Robbert Ehrens awarded a 9 for the jumping qualities of Rising Aranix (Aganix du Seigneur x Echo van ’t Spieveld), owned and bred by Rising Stud. Under Kristian Houwen, the talented four-year-old received an 8.5 for his rideability, securing a convincing victory in Meerlo. It’s his third in this series, placing him firmly at the top of the current standings. “Rising Aranix was a clear winner for us today,” said Robbert Ehrens. “He’s very rideable, handles the course with ease, and shows sharp reflexes right when it matters.”

Strong line-up of 4yo
The judges praised the overall quality of the field. “We saw a promising group of four-year-olds. Henk Linders designed a beautiful course, and the atmosphere here in Meerlo is just right,” they noted. Second place went to VDL Groep Rosalyn (Emerald van ’t Ruytershof x Air Jordan Z), owned by Stoeterij Duyselshof and ridden by Natalia Majchrowicz. She earned scores of 8.8 and 8.0, placing her third in the overall ranking. “She’s a well-developed mare with blood, good rideability, and plenty of scope.” Third place was claimed by Pieter Keunen’s Astoria Z (Aganix du Seigneur x Calvaro Z), ridden by Jop Keunen, with marks of 8.5 and 8. “Astoria Z is a different type but shows a lot of quality. She has blood, elasticity, and scope.” The top 30 four-year-olds are now qualified for the final on Friday, June 27, at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre. Kristian Houwen has multiple strong contenders, sitting fourth with Rock Me Zsazsa (s.Lambada Shake AG) and fifth with Rothschild VM (s.Lay Out). Etronville PL Z (s.Ermitage Kalone), ridden by Alice Lazzarini, currently holds second place in the standings.

Driessen dominates
Among the five-year-olds, Britt Driessen once again rode to victory. This time not with her usual partner Uricana Grace Z, who leads the standings after three wins, but with Duel Mood Z (s.Duel de HSP), another homebred from her father, John Driessen. This win moves Duel Mood Z into third place overall. In Meerlo, Britt was the only rider to break the 30-second barrier in the second phase, pushing Kristian Houwen with Papillion AT (s.Luigi d’Eclips) into second. Rob Heijligers finished third aboard Pip (s.Bustique), with 35 combinations producing clear rounds. In the rankings, Britt Driessen holds a commanding lead with Uricana Grace Z, followed by Pippa (s.Entertainer) and Duel Mood Z, who shares third place with CatoKey SR (s.Catoki), ridden by Yves Willems.

Cybele Bel Z impresses
Among the six-year-olds, two Comme Il Faut offspring outperformed two Diamant de Semilly descendants. The elegant Cybele Bel Z, bred by WW Stables and owned by Stal Brouwershof, jumped to a convincing win under Johan Bergs. Nicole Caris and Off The Road (s.Comme Il Faut) took second, while Offield van Schijndel (s.Diamant de Semilly), ridden by Piet Raijmakers Jr., placed third. Last mentioned now holds the best position heading into the finals, thanks to two victories and two additional podium finishes. Last year, Offield won the five-year-old final. Off The Road, who previously won in Kessel and Asten, currently shares second place in the rankings with Davina (s.Diamant de Semilly), ridden by Emile Tacken, who placed fourth in Meerlo and has already collected four podium finishes this season. All signs point to an exciting finale on June 27.

Photo Cybele Bel Z – Elena de Keizer fotografie