Press release from Longines Global Champions Tour, edited by World of Showjumping 

In front of a sold-out, roaring Dutch crowd, it was a storybook home victory for Harrie Smolders (NED)  and the ever-consistent Monaco (Cassini II x Contender) as they clinched their second Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win of the 2025-season in Valkenswaard. The atmosphere was electric as the two-time LGCT Champion delivered the only double clear of the day.

With just two riders making it through to the jump-off, it all came down to the wire. Nicola Philippaerts (BEL), lightning fast and bold aboard Katanga vh Dingeshof (Cardento x Tornedo FCS), was a mere 0.01 seconds faster than Smolders but heartbreakingly caught two rails - handing the win to the Dutch maestro on home soil.

In the shape of his life, the 17-year-old Monaco is a fan favourite. A visibly emotional Smolders said: “He only gets better the more he is aging and I am so grateful to have him in my string, grateful for my team, grateful for his owners Team Evergrate. He is a once in a lifetime horse.”

Twelve months ago at the Longines Tops International Arena, Smolders and Monaco finished second in the LGCT Grand Prix - agonisingly close to victory. But this year, they returned with purpose and went one better. Despite the win, the coveted golden ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix was handed to Nicola Philippaerts, who finished runner-up - Smolders having already secured his place at the season showdown with his win in Cannes. Rounding out the podium was the LGCT ranking leader Gilles Thomas (BEL), whose lightning-fast round one with just a single pole down on Qalista DN (Emerald x Landetto) earned third place and extended his lead in the overall standings with yet another podium finish in what’s becoming a sensational 2025-campaign.

“Harrie and Monaco are one of the best combinations in the world - we tried to give it a go, but we got a fault in the double in the jump-off but I am delighted with how she jumped and I am so happy with the second place,” Nicola Philippaerts said. “It is a fantastic atmosphere here in Valkenswaard and I love competing here.”