Steve Guerdat Leaves His Mark at the Andalucía Sunshine Tour

Vejer, February 14, 2026.

The most important class of the day bore the stamp of Steve Guerdat on a bittersweet day at the Andalucía Sunshine Tour.

The renowned Swiss rider Steve Guerdat, one of the most decorated athletes on the international circuit, claimed victory in the top class of the Andalucía Sunshine Tour on a day full of emotions and contrasts. Despite Guerdat’s triumph, the day was marked by the sad news of the passing of Antonio Blázquez, the driving force behind the circuit, who devoted more than three decades to making it possible. The tribute in his honor, to be held tomorrow before the Grand Prix, is expected to be one of the most emotional moments of the event.

The Andalucía Sunshine Tour experienced a vibrant day. Guerdat, riding Lusso Gih Z, was crowned champion in the Big Tour 1.45m class, finishing ahead of major names such as Ireland’s Mark McAuley with Django Ste Hermelle and Germany’s Maximilian Weishaupt with Cosmo von Imhoff. With nearly 70 combinations taking part, the class lived up to expectations. The best-placed Spanish rider was Carolina Aresu, who finished tenth with Adje T.

In a second Big Tour class, the 1.35m, Czech rider Jaroslav Sima shone by taking victory with Questa Dwerse Hagen.

The day concluded with the exciting Six Bar class, in which Britain’s William Robert made history by winning with Fifty Shades of Grey, the only combination to clear the 1.80m height without faults.

The Medium Tour also saw outstanding performances. In the 1.50m class, Italian riders dominated the competition, led by Luca Maria Moneta with Cap Libellule, followed by Matteo Checchi with Bebelisk. Spain’s Álvaro González de Zárate once again stood out, finishing fourth with Stakkaldato PS and recording his third clear round of the week. In the 1.40m class, Belgium’s Ignace Philips de Vuyst and Evelyne Putters took the top two places, while France claimed victories in the 1.35m and 1.30m classes thanks to Víctor Cherre and Sara Brionne, respectively.

In the Small Tour, Czech rider Albert Pisarik won the 1.45m class with Kyfo, while Spain’s Jorge Bidón finished third with Donatella du Landel. In the 1.40m class, Spanish riders delivered a strong showing, led by José Bono with CDE Alí Babá HT, while José Antonio García Diana finished third with Marola P&M. In the 1.35m class, victory went to Mohammed Al Ahrach, and in the 1.30m class Spain celebrated another win thanks to Virginia Lezama-Leguizamon.

Meanwhile, in the CSI1* classes, Britain’s Alfie Bradstock once again impressed by winning the 1.10m class with Gladstone, showcasing his trademark speed. In the 1.20m class, with more than 100 participants, the podium was shared by Yumo Han of Japan with O-Mero van’t Steryehof and France’s Safia El Bied with Astrait de Hus. Among the Spanish riders, Lara Antonio Beliakova (with Schatz de Gasba) and Juana María Roig (with Jill Donaa) achieved notable results, finishing in third place.

The day also brought international victories in the Regional classes, with Sammy-Jo Selten (Netherlands) winning the 1.20m, Marion Meric (France) taking the 1.00m, and Khaleesi l’Rio claiming victory in the 0.90m class.

Tribute to Antonio Blázquez

Antonio Blázquez, founder of the circuit, will be honored tomorrow, Sunday, February 15, before the start of the 1.55m Grand Prix. This tribute to his legacy will provide an opportunity to thank him for his vision and dedication, which made the Andalucía Sunshine Tour an international benchmark in the equestrian world.

The event enjoys institutional support from the Government of Andalusia, through the Ministry of Tourism and Andalusia Abroad, as well as from the Provincial Council of Cádiz, strengthening the event’s international profile and reinforcing its sporting, economic, and tourism impact on the region.