The flying Dutchman Harrie Smolders has claimed yet another victory with his feisty mare Regina Z, his third LGCT CSI5* win in the last six weeks. As the sun set on the lake-side Lausanne arena, Smolders set sail with his mount, winning the CSI5* Prix Beau Rivage Palace in a lightening time of 52.68s from Simon Delestre (FRA) in 2nd with Whisper (53.07s) and Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) in 3rd with Caesario 7 (53.28s). Luc Musette’s inviting course welcomed attack from the first fence to the last from the 46-strong starters. Jane Richard Philips (SUI) and Upanisad di san Patrignano led for the first half of the draw ending up 6th overall. Smolders and Regina Z took over the top spot from 24th to go and held off all challengers. Though both Gaudiano and Delestre came close to the time, Smolders round looked unbeatable and ultimately proved to be just that. Next up is the feature class of the show, the Longines Global Champions Tour of Lausanne Grand Prix where 40 points and the major share of €300,000 is up for grabs. We have World, Olympic and Continental Champions here in Lausanne ready to do battle for top honours and all with their eye on the ultimate prize at the end of this 14-leg Championship season in Doha in two events time. Watch the Longines Global Champions Tour of Lausanne Grand Prix live today from 6pm CEST on GCT TV, beIN Sports 9, Equidia Life and ClassHorseTV, and on Eurosport from 8.45pm.
