‘I had the right distance – the fence was in the wrong place!’ Harrie Smolders reacts to THAT epic World Cup save

Jennifer Donald's avatar
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Published In Features
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It’s being billed as the most amazing comeback of the London International Horse Show and Harrie Smolders’ breathtaking recovery from a first-fence blunder in Sunday’s Longines FEI World Cup qualifier is certainly an example of never giving up.

The Dutch showjumper and his great campaigner, the Evergate Stables-owned 12-year-old Monaco (Cassini II x Contender), set off with great determination in the 11-way jump-off for the London leg of the winter series. But their challenge almost came unstuck at fence one, a seemingly straightforward Longines FEI World Cup-branded vertical.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.