Daniel Deusser and Uricas vd Kattevennen won their second CSI5* Grand Prix in a short time on Sunday. Speeding to victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Riesenbeck. "Uricas simply wanted to win today," praises Smolders his stallion.
"I saw Daniel Deusser's round, and he was very fast, especially at the beginning of his jump-off. Towards the end, it seemed like he slowed down a bit, leaving a small gap, in my opinion. That's where I took the opportunity and won. I had a forward distance to the last obstacle, and Uricas was really focused on the jump and simply wanted to win today."
With this victory, Smolders made history in the Global Champions Tour. He achieved his sixth Grand Prix win in the history of the Global Champions Tour, and Smolders secured three consecutive podium finishes in the last three competitions—a record. Last week in La Coruna, he finished third with Monaco N.O.P., a week before that, they took second place in Monaco, and today, they clinched the victory in Riesenbeck.
"I'm not too focused on those records. My main focus is on my horses. When they feel good, and I ride well, the results will naturally follow. I just need to remain patient and seize my chances. If that leads to records, then that's great. Being on the podium is already amazing," said Smolders.