Dutch hero Harrie Smolders delighted the home crowd once again, this time partnering the 13-year-old gelding Mr. Tac to victory with a lightning-fast clear in 63.75 seconds. Smolders, who won the opening class of the Baran Global Hunter Classic yesterday, showed trademark precision and efficiency to edge out a strong international field, collecting the lion’s share of the €56,800 prize pot.

Local dutchman Smolders explained: "It’s always special to win at home, and Mr. Tac was absolutely on form today. The course asked plenty of questions but he gave me everything. The atmosphere here at Longines Tops International Arena is fantastic and it’s a real privilege to compete in front of such an enthusiastic crowd."

Just fractions behind, Khaled Almobty of Saudi Arabia and Davenport VDL delivered a superb round to finish second, stopping the clock at 63.78 seconds. Dutch rider Jur Vrieling continued the strong home representation, rounding out the podium with a clear round aboard Kannan JR in 64.28 seconds.

Khaled Almobty went on to add: "I’m really happy with how Davenport VDL jumped today - he felt quick and confident the whole way around. To finish so close in this field shows how competitive the sport is at this level, and it motivates me even more for the rest of the weekend. It’s great to be here at this beautiful venue."

Mexico’s Andres Azcarraga piloted Atlantica du Soleil Z into fourth with a fast clear in 64.38 seconds, followed by Belgium’s Gilles Thomas, who took fifth aboard Chuck Marienshof Z in 64.80 seconds.

The depth of talent on display was underscored by further clear rounds from some of the world’s leading names: Daniel Deusser (GER) claimed sixth on Killer Queen VDM, France’s Simon Delestre slotted into seventh aboard Acatitla LS, while USA’s Natalie Dean was eighth with Crescendo MB Z. The top ten was completed by France’s Charlotte Leoni and Miss Marie van’t Winnenhof (ninth) and Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt with Kilmister (tenth).

The atmosphere at Longines Tops International Arena was electric throughout the day, with fans enjoying beautiful summer weather, excellent sport, and the unique ambiance of this world-class venue.