12.10.2025

History was made in Rome...

Under the golden Italian sun, the historic city of Rome played host to a show jumping showdown for the ages as Harrie Smolders and Monaco soared to victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome, their third LGCT Grand Prix win this year!

The Dutchman delivered a masterclass to claim the win in 34.27 seconds, while Gilles Thomas not only took second on Qalista DN but also sealed the 2025 LGCT Championship title, marking a defining moment in his career. Gilles is now the youngest ever Longines Global Champions Tour Champion and the first person to win with still two stages to go in the season.

Rounding out the podium, fellow Dutch star Maikel van der Vleuten produced another trademark cool performance aboard Beauville Z N.O.P., finishing third in 34.84 seconds to collect the golden ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix.

Today’s LGCT winners - Harrie Smolders and Monaco - Harrie, taking his incredible thirtieth Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix Podium, shared a little known anecdote about their incredible partnership… “I must say it is actually very special, nine years ago, it was during the LGCT of Rome that I met Monaco. So nine years ago with Alessandro Mingoli I went, on the Saturday morning, to try Monaco when he was seven years old.. And now nine years after that he wins here in Rome.”

As for today? Harrie went on to add, “It’s a beautiful setting that just has so much history - it is amazing here, you feel the atmosphere, Monaco feels the atmosphere… it lights him up, it gears him up, and to win again for the third time this season… it’s amazing.”

The youngest ever to win the LGCT Championship, the earliest ever to do it in a season in over a decade, Gilles Thomas’ form started with flair and held to the crowning moments. It’s not just a win, it’s domination. Gilles reacted on whether he understands the significance… he said “Not really yet, today I was focussing on trying to win this stage but now I am also the Championship winner all year my horses they jumped amazing, and getting this armband quite early in the season? Maybe it gave me some wings - I was very motivated and focused on every LGCT Grand Prix and I liked, the pressure of being the leading rider and it means everything to win it!.”

Speaking of his long-term, ever consistent and ever competitive partner, Beauville Z N.O.P, Maikel van der Vleuten discussed their partnership after their third place in today’s LGCT Grand Prix - he said, “He has been my number one horse for years, I really can rely on him… I know when we enter the arena he will give all his heart to perform his best and to show everyone he is one of the best horses at the moment. Now we need to make our plan to aim for the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Prague with him.”

With the championship race now reaching its climax, Gilles Thomas has officially been crowned the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour Champion, securing an unassailable 275 points after a stellar season. Harrie Smolders sits second on 214 points, and with confirmation that he will not compete in Rabat or Riyadh, his tally is now final. The focus now turns to the battle behind them - Christian Kukuk (208 points), Maikel van der Vleuten (198.5 points) and Andreas Schou (182 points) will all be fighting for the remaining podium positions. After missing out on qualification for today’s LGCT Grand Prix in Rome, Schou has slipped down the order, leaving the final two stages wide open for movement within the top five.

The technical yet fair track designed by Italian maestro Uliano Vezzani tested the very best, with the first round unfolding under the glowing backdrop of the Circus Maximus. The Roman crowd, always known for their passion, cheered every clear as the world’s elite fought to secure their place in the jump-off on the tenth anniversary of the Longines Global Champions Tour in the Eternal City.

It was an eventful opening round with 19 previous LGCT Grand Prix winners riding, there were a few big names missing out on the chance to battle for the win. Katrin Eckermann and Hans-Dieter Dreher both retired mid-round, while Christian Kukuk, so close to the championship crown, saw his hopes dashed when a pole fell in the final part, ending his title ambitions. Several unlucky four-faulters - including riders who had been in blistering form like Edwina Tops-Alexander, Max Kuhner and Niels Bruynseels – could only look on as the top contenders advanced to the jump-off.

As the jump-off began, the intensity in the arena was palpable.

Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Katoulon were first to go but it wasn’t to be as they came home on 16 faults. Then Katharina Rhomberg and Colestus Cambridge delivered the first double clear of the class, though it looked a fast pace the door was left open for a faster time.

In his first LGCT Grand Prix jump off this year Gregory Cottard on Cocaine du Val quickly took the lead with a round just a fraction faster than Rhomberg, but the field was tightening, and every stride began to matter.

Enter Harrie Smolders and Monaco - a pair synonymous with speed. The experienced Dutchman wasted no time, slicing turns with surgical precision and crossing the line in 34.27 seconds, setting a target that seemed impossible to beat. Could he win his third LGCT Grand Prix this year…?

Next, Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro looked sharp but a small misjudgment kept them out of contention to finish on four faults in 34.91 seconds.

Then came the man of the moment - Gilles Thomas and Qalista DN. Already on course for championship glory, the Belgian star gave it everything, flying ahead of Harrie’s pace at the halfway point before losing just fractions on the final turn to stop the clock in 34.41 seconds, slotting into second.

Home favourite Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Coynor had the crowd roaring but an unlucky fall brought gasps from the stands, while Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P. gave it everything in pursuit of the golden ticket to Prague, finishing clear in 34.84 seconds for third with two to go…

Both Duarte Seabra on Dourados 2 and Christian Ahlmann aboard Untouched LB ended with faults, leaving the podium set for Smolders, Thomas, and van der Vleuten.

With the LGCT Championship race now settled, Gilles Thomas’ points tally makes him untouchable at the top of the standings. Harrie Smolders, who will not compete in the final stages in Rabat or Riyadh, finishes his season on a high, while Christian Kukuk, despite a valiant campaign, slipped down the order after a costly rail in Rome.

As the Tour now heads to Rabat, Morocco next week, for the penultimate leg of the 2025 season, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown to determine the remaining LGCT Super Grand Prix qualifiers. The Eternal City once again delivered history, emotion, and world-class sport - a fitting finale to a decade of unforgettable competition in Rome.

FULL RESULTS