Press release from Longines Tops International Arena, edited by World of Showjumping

The second day of the Summer Classic at Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, showcased another display of world-class show jumping as top international riders battled it out in the CSI4* 1.50m speed class.

Dutch hero Harrie Smolders delighted the home crowd once again, this time partnering the 13-year-old gelding Mr. Tac (Non Stop x Toulon) to victory with a lightning-fast clear in 63.75 seconds. Smolders, who won the opening class of the Baran Global Hunter Classic on Friday, showed trademark precision and efficiency to edge out a strong international field, collecting the lion’s share of the €56,800 prize pot.

"It’s always special to win at home, and Mr. Tac was absolutely on form today," Smolders said. "The course asked plenty of questions but he gave me everything. The atmosphere here at Longines Tops International Arena is fantastic and it’s a real privilege to compete in front of such an enthusiastic crowd."

Just fractions behind, Khaled Almobty of Saudi Arabia and Davenport VDL (Diamant de Semilly x Indoctro) delivered a superb round to finish second, stopping the clock at 63.78 seconds. Jur Vrieling (NED) continued the strong home representation, rounding out the podium with a clear round aboard Kannan JR (Cornet Obolensky x Quick Star) in 64.28 seconds.

"I’m really happy with how Davenport VDL jumped today -  he felt quick and confident the whole way around," Almobty said. "To finish so close in this field shows how competitive the sport is at this level, and it motivates me even more for the rest of the weekend. It’s great to be here at this beautiful venue."

Mexico’s Andres Azcarraga piloted Atlantica du Soleil Z (Atlantus van de Roshoeve x Felin Pierreville) into fourth with a fast clear in 64.38 seconds, followed by Belgium’s Gilles Thomas, who took fifth aboard Chuck Marienshof Z (Colestus x Emerald) in 64.80 seconds.