Well, this feels a lot like a déjà vu... Just like last year in Leipzig, Harrie Smolders and the ultra-consistent Monaco N.O.P. took the runner-up position at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final – this time, in 2023 in Omaha, USA. “Monaco is truly an amazing horse,” Smolders said. “If you see his statistics, his consistency is amazing – and he is still getting better and improving. I am so thankful to his owners Evergate Stables for letting me ride him. Henrik and King Edward were the favourites coming in, but still to win there is a different pressure and a lot to handle. I would have loved to go in the jump-off, because Monaco was feeling amazing in his energy levels and focus, this was probably a day I could have competed against King Edward. However, you don’t need to be ashamed to be second to them and have such champions in front of us." 

With this photo special, we send our congratulations to Team Smolders! 

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.