Grand Slam VDL and Marlon Módolo Zanotelli formed a consistent and highly successful partnership at the very highest level in recent years. Among their greatest achievements are a fifth place in the 2024 Helsinki World Cup qualifier, second place in the 5* Grand Prix of Bordeaux in 2023, and victory with the Brazilian team in the 2023 Nations Cup in La Baule.

Their last joint appearance was in March 2025 at the CSI5* Saut Hermès in Paris. Shortly afterward, the stallion was taken over by Jur Vrieling. Since Grand Slam has been stationed at VDL Stud in Bears (Friesland) every breeding season for many years, a partnership with Vrieling - who is also based in the north of the Netherlands - was a logical step.

Vrieling chose to first get to know the horse quietly with two starts at two-star level in Lier before immediately taking him to the Global Champions Tour season final in Prague. There, the experienced stallion immediately proved he has lost none of his class.

The new combination is looking forward to continuing their partnership. Grand Slam VDL is not only a proven Grand Prix horse but also a highly promising sire. His 9-year-old son Lyandro MBD already jumped very impressively during the same Playoffs in Prague with Belgian rider Thibault Philippaerts, further fueling expectations for Grand Slam’s future breeding career.