'A big milestone for all of us'

A Dutchman is crowned 2023 champion of champions and the final ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix is claimed

- JENNIFER DONALD

AFTER a battle that rumbled into the final grand prix of the season, it was flying Dutchman Harrie Smolders who stepped up to be crowned the 17th Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) champion of champions in Riyadh on Saturday night.

Following up on his 2017 title, the 43-year-old summed up by saying he was “super-excited” to take the title ahead of nearest rivals Maikel van der Vleuten and Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann.

“I know how it feels [to win the championship] and I wanted to feel it again,” he said. “To be the overall champion again is a big marker in my career. All the dedication from my team, my people and my grooms make this a big milestone for all of us.”

However Harrie’s fate hung in the balance after round one of the final grand prix of the season after he and 11-year-old stallion Uricas VD Kattevennen (Uriko x San Patrignano Cassini) hit two fences, seemingly leaving the door wide open for his challengers. But the pressure told when the reigning Olympic, world and European champion and his great partner King Edward came home with four faults.

Harrie’s team-mate Maikel then jumped one of eight firstround clears with his Olympic bronze medal-winning partner Beauville Z NOP and just needed a top-two finish to claim overall honours.

A SURPRISE DEPARTURE

THE high-stakes jump-off kicked off with four faults apiece from the opening two riders before uber-mare Mila surprisingly slammed on the brakes when third-drawn Eoin McMahon steered a brave turn to an airy vertical and their chances evaporated into the hot Saudi night.