June 7, 2025 
Harry Smolders’ relationship with Monaco is like something out of a movie. And in a city renowned for film, they put on a show.
Up until six months ago, the former world number one and Monaco were show jumping’s most famous bridesmaids, notching some 13 runner up finishes 5* grands prix and World Cup qualifiers before finally capturing their first 5* Grand Prix victory in Geneva last December. Smolders himself has won 6 Grand Prix titles on the Longines Global Champions Tour since 2015 with five different mounts. But LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes was one that had eluded him—until now.
One of 10 to jump clear, Smolders and Monaco put their best effort into the rather difficult jump-off and snagged their career second 5* GP title.
At 16, Monaco is in a league of his own. With 14 international wins, a 52% clear round rate at 1.60m+ (49 clears to be specific; that’s more 1.60m fences than most horses have ever jumped), and over €3.5 million in earnings (Jumpr stats), the Holsteiner gelding (Cassini II x Contender) is among the most successful horses of the past decade. Only King Edward, HH Azur and Hermes Ryan have more podium finishes.
“He’s so intelligent,” Smolders said of Monaco. “He’s now experienced in the jump-offs so he looks for the fences. He’s never surprised if I angle him or whatever. It’s a one-of-a-kind horse. I’m very grateful for Evergate Stables that have the trust and confidence with me that I can keep riding him.”
Smolders had the benefit of going close to the end of the order. His other benefit: knowing his horse perhaps better than any other pair.
The two have been partnered since 2017, and Smolders has campaigned the gelding from young horse competition all the way to Rolex Grand Prix victories. He knows the Monaco is special, but their story is what makes the picture so perfect.
“The atmosphere is unbelievable here with the crowd,” he said of Cannes, lit up by the city and dazzled with spectators. “The horses feel the atmosphere, and they give everything they have. It was exciting until the last rider and the last jump.”
Smolders’ rise to the top in Cannes took some fighting, however.
“I think you had to be right on from the beginning,” he said of the first round, which called out top competitors. “The lines came up so quickly, especially also those turns, you couldn’t lose a single second or moment of your focus. You had to be on it.”
Coming back for the jump-off, Smolders stuck to his routine works.
“I could see a few and get more information but the plan was already in my head,” he explained of jump-off time. “I stuck to my plan. I think with Simon [Delestre] behind me I wanted to put pressure on so I had to be on. With Monaco you can do that; he has the experience, he’s ready, he knows the game.”
Smolders’ time of 42.30 seconds was just enough, with Delestre clocking in at 42.70 seconds with Cayman Jolly Jumper. The only other double-clear effort was produced by Maikel van der Vleuten with O’bailey vh Brouwershof N.O.P., about three seconds off the pace.
“There were tight turns, big verticals,” Smolders elaborated on the track and what made it challenging. “I didn’t go flat out but it was enough. I think we led in the first half and then played too much on the safe side. But today was our day so I’m very happy.”
There were a few coveted wins left on the Longies Global Champions Tour that Smolders had yet to capture, and Cannes was high on his bucket list for victories. Earning his golden ticket to Prague, that’s another win he hopes to add to his track record in 2025.
“It feels amazing,” he said of the victory. “I’ve come here for several years but I’ve never been able to win this Grand Prix. I’m happy it’s now off my list. I’m happy we can go to Prague. It’s a fabulous show, amazing atmosphere. Monaco jumped there twice but we also have never won that one. Hopefully this year is our year.”
The Global Champions Tour next heads to Ramatuelle, St. Tropez, June 12–14.
