Torinto Van De Middelstede

Guy Williams bought Torinto Van De Middelstede from Belgian Eric Larnen, who still owns a share in the horse, in 2008. Immediately, the 14-year-old gelding started making his mark on the international circuit by finishing runner-up in the speed classic at the Hickstead Derby meeting. A few weeks later he won the British Masters speed classic.

New Year festivities in 2009 included celebrating Torinto Van Der Middelstede`s three-star grand prix win with Guy in Mechelen, Belgium, and proved to be an insight into what was to come.

The following February, Torinto Van De Middelstede went with Guy on the Spanish Sunshine Tour. There, he won seven classes with total winnings of £50,000. In the final week, he won both the three- and four-star grands prix.

During 2009, Torinto Van De Middelstede won Rolex World Rankings classes at every show he attended and is currently ranked the third best Belgian warmblood show jumper in the world.

Guy Williams and Torinto Van De Middelstede win Mechelen grand prix (29/12/2009)
Guy Williams and Torinto Van De Middelstede have just beaten nine others in the jump-off of the Mechelen grand prix. Drawn second last of the 10 in the jump-off, Guy and Torinto Van De Middelstede beat Dutchman Harrie Smolders and Exquis Oliver by 0.69 seconds.

The final round produced just four double clear rounds, which got progressively faster. Guy was the last rider to go clear in the jump-off and earned E15,000 for his victory.