Under the golden glow of the Italian sun, Rome witnessed a masterclass in show jumping as Harrie Smolders and Monaco soared to victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome. The Dutchman’s third Grand Prix win of the season was a testament to experience, precision, and the special bond he shares with his remarkable partner, Monaco.
“It’s actually very special,” Smolders reflected, smiling. “Nine years ago, I met Monaco here in Rome when he was just seven. And now, nine years later, to win again with him in this historic city… it’s incredible.”
The stakes were equally high for Belgium’s Gilles Thomas. Already in top form, Thomas sealed the 2025 LGCT Championship aboard Qalista DN, becoming the youngest ever champion and the first rider to clinch the title with two stages still remaining. “I was focused on today’s stage,” Thomas said, “but winning the overall championship so early gives me wings. Every LGCT Grand Prix pushed me to be better, and my horses were amazing.”
Rounding out the podium, Maikel van der Vleuten delivered another composed performance aboard Beauville Z N.O.P., finishing third in 34.84 seconds and securing his spot in the LGCT Super Grand Prix. “He’s my number one horse,” Van der Vleuten said. “I can always rely on him to give his best. Now our focus turns to Prague.”
The competition unfolded on a technically challenging course designed by Uliano Vezzani, set against the historic backdrop of the Circus Maximus. Nineteen previous LGCT Grand Prix winners competed, but not all could reach the jump-off. Katrin Eckermann and Hans-Dieter Dreher retired mid-round, while Christian Kukuk’s hopes for the overall title ended with a fallen pole. The crowd, passionate and vocal, roared at every clear, creating an electric atmosphere for this milestone tenth anniversary of the LGCT in Rome.
The jump-off was a tense battle of speed and precision. Katharina Rhomberg set the tone with the first double-clear round, soon eclipsed by Gregory Cottard. Then came Smolders and Monaco, slicing corners with perfect rhythm to cross the line in 34.27 seconds—a benchmark no one would surpass. Thomas followed, pushing the pace but finishing just behind in 34.41 seconds, while Van der Vleuten claimed third. Home favorite Giulia Martinengo Marquet drew gasps with an unlucky fall aboard Coynor, leaving the podium as Smolders, Thomas, and Van der Vleuten.
With the championship now officially decided, Gilles Thomas stands at the pinnacle with 275 points. Smolders finishes his season on a high, while Christian Kukuk, despite a strong campaign, fell down the order after his costly mistake in Rome. The focus now shifts to Rabat, Morocco, for the next stage, where riders will battle for the remaining LGCT Super Grand Prix qualifications.
Read more horse racing news and LGCT updates at RaceBuzz.
