Harrie Smolders (NED) and Zinius at the Royal Hospital Chelsea at LGCT London. PC: Stefano Grasso/LGCT
With the city of London looking on, Harry Potter must momentarily take a step aside to let fellow Harrie – of the Smolders variety – take his place in the limelight as he and the sultry bay gelding Zinius claim the win in the first CSI 5* class in London.
It’s the tour’s first ever appearance at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which we featured a few weeks ago because of it’s historic and emotional significance to London. It’s going to be a beautiful, picturesque week on the Thames and things are off to a marvelous start.
Gorgeous Day in London! Screenshot via GCT TV
Nederlanders Harrie and Zinius just held off home turf combatants William Funnel on Billy Angelo and Laura Renwick on Van de Vivaldi, who trailed the winner by less than half a second in the ferociously short <30 second jump-off.
“I have a quick horse – he’s here for this class and Sunday, which only gives us two options to win and we had a good start!” said Harrie after his win. “This horse does really well and he wins a lot! I was fast in the beginning of the second phase – I knew I had the time!”
As for the sea of Americans on hand for the LGCT London, Laura Kraut was our best finisher, just breaking the top ten aboard the eight-year-old gelding Curious George. Canadian Eric Lamaze was the best North American finisher, taking seventh on Coco Bongo.
Teddy Vlock (USA) and Cristobar went clear in the first round but finished 30th with eight penalties in the jump-off. Lauren Hough (USA) and Adare had a rail in round one to finish in 48th, and Kent Farrington (USA) and Creedance proved to have one of those days, taking home 12 penalties and finishing 53rd.
There’s much more to come from LGCT London, so keep it locked on JN!
LGCT London: Website, Live Results, Live TV