Show jumping rider Harrie Smolders from Lage Mierde finished second in the World Cup final for the third time. Smolders and his horse Monaco made one more fault in the final round than the multiple champion Henrik von Eckermann.
The 42-year-old rider made a big catch up on the last day of the tournament in the American city of Omaha. He started Saturday in seventh place, but finished second.
Best horse of my career
In a reaction he praises his horse Monaco: “It is unbelievable that Monaco is second again”, he says. He had given Monaco two months of rest this winter. According to Smolders, the result of this can now be seen. “Monaco is on track to become the best horse of my career.”
The gold went to multiple champion Henrik von Eckermann with his horse King Edward. “There’s no shame in finishing behind King Edward,” says Smolders.
Of the six World Cup finals that Smolders did, he finished in second place three times:
- 2016 with Emerald
- 2022 with Monaco
- 2023 with Monaco