Mathijs Van Asten and Hotspot Deliver Under Pressure in Desert Circuit CSI5* Grand Prix
Fast jump-off seals victory in the $340,000 BRAINJUICE Active Grand Prix
January 26, 2026 at 7:49 AMBy b.wehner
Mathijs Van Asten rose to the occasion in the $340,000 BRAINJUICE Active CSI5* Grand Prix at Desert Circuit 3, guiding Hotspot to a decisive victory in one of the week’s most competitive international showdowns.
A Demanding First-Round Track
Course designers Colm Quinn and Alan Wade set a challenging first-round course that tested the large international field. From the original field, just eight combinations managed to deliver clear rounds, advancing to a high-pressure jump-off against the clock.
Van Asten Sets the Pace
Returning for the jump-off, Van Asten wasted no time capitalizing on his position. Piloting Hotspot with confidence and efficiency, he stopped the clock in a blistering 36.64 seconds, immediately putting pressure on the remaining contenders.
Tight Competition for the Podium
World No. 1 Kent Farrington looked to challenge the leading time aboard Toulayna, but a rail late in the course proved costly and ultimately kept him out of podium contention. Germany’s Maximilian Schott secured second place with a clear effort aboard Uricas v/d Kattenvannen. Ireland’s Conor Swail rounded out the top three with Casturano, finishing on a time of 39.04 seconds.
A Winning Performance Under Pressure
With speed, precision, and poise under pressure, Van Asten and Hotspot delivered a performance worthy of the Desert Circuit’s premier CSI5* Grand Prix, closing out the class with authority against a world-class field.
Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
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