Double delight for Suraya Hendrikx as Sacramento vh Bloemenhof claims Briljant Cup

Just moments after claiming the Diamant Cup title, Suraya Hendrikx returned to the arena to add the Briljant Cup to her impressive haul at the Belgian Dressage Championships in Lier. Riding the eight-year-old Sacramento vh Bloemenhof, she topped the standings once again and celebrated her second Belgian title of the day.

Just like in the Briljant Cup, Hendrikx shared the podium with Jorinde Verwimp. Riding Virano, Verwimp secured the silver medal by winning the freestyle, while Shekou Huygens completed the podium in third place with C&S Motilas. “I was really happy with the feeling,” smiled Hendrikx afterwards. “Actually, all three days felt very good. In the freestyle one pirouette wasn’t quite as good as I wanted, but apart from that everything went according to plan. Of course, there is always room for improvement.”

Although the title was not something she took for granted, Hendrikx admitted she came to Lier with ambition. “I didn’t necessarily expect it, but I was definitely aiming for it. I was well placed in the rankings, so I went for it.” The story behind Sacramento vh Bloemenhof makes the victory even more special. The talented gelding has been with Hendrikx almost from the beginning of his career. “Sacramento came to our stable when he was two and a half years old. We bought him directly from the breeder and I learned him everything myself. We’ve gone from a young horse to standing here as champions. Last year he became champion among the seven-year-olds and I truly believe he is a horse for the future.”

At just eight years old, Sacramento still has plenty of time to develop further. Hendrikx is determined not to rush the process. “I hope to go as far as possible with him. But he’s still young and he has so much movement and talent that he simply needs time to mature. We’ll keep building step by step.” By securing both the Diamant Cup and the Briljant Cup on Saturday, Suraya Hendrikx confirmed their place among Belgium’s most exciting riders for the future.