'Monaco deserved this victory

Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix

- JENNIFER DONALD

DUTCH showjumper Harrie Smolders delivered the perfect jump-off performance to land his first major, the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva, with his outstanding partner Monaco.

This pair have been so consistent at the highest level over several years, but always seems to have played the part of bridesmaid, finishing on the podium at many of the world’s five-star grands prix, including in this class in 2021.

But they stole the spotlight, producing an electric winning round during an incidentpacked jump-off and head to the Dutch Masters early next year as the live contenders in the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping.

“Starting first is never easy,” said Harrie. “I risked everything without any tactical planning and I wasn’t sure it would be enough. But after so many second places, it is only right Monaco finished in front – he really deserved this victory.”

There were plenty of surprise departures in round one of the 40-starter feature class, and the drama continued into the 10-way high-calibre decider.

Harrie, ranked 23rd in the world, was drawn first with Evergate Stables' 15-yearold Cassini II son, and the duo packed a punch with a relentless gallop. The tailswishing Monaco really opened up during the early stages before obliging at every turn in the slalom-esque home stretch. They stopped the clock clear in 41.74sec, setting a strong target for the chasing pack.

"I've never been so nervous watching the jump-off," admitted the normally calm Dutchman. "I don't usually get nervous but as the first rider to go in and then have to watch all those other fantastic riders and horses go after me, I was unbelievably nervous."