Harrie Smolders Triumphs in Rome as Gilles Thomas Makes History as Youngest-Ever LGCT Champion
Historic Double Celebration in the Eternal City
Under the golden Italian sun and against the breathtaking backdrop of the Circus Maximus, Rome witnessed a show jumping spectacle for the ages. Harrie Smolders delivered a masterclass performance aboard Monaco to clinch victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome, marking their third LGCT Grand Prix triumph this year. Meanwhile, Gilles Thomas not only secured second place with Qalista DN but also sealed the 2025 LGCT Championship title, becoming the youngest-ever champion in the tour’s history.
Smolders and Monaco: A Partnership Written in Roman History
The Dutchman’s winning round was nothing short of spectacular, stopping the clock at 34.27 seconds in a fiercely contested jump-off. This victory marked Harrie Smolders’ incredible thirtieth Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix podium finish, cementing his status amongst the sport’s elite.
In a touching revelation following his win, Smolders shared a little-known anecdote about his partnership with Monaco: “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.”
Reflecting on the significance of the venue, Harrie added: “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.”
Gilles Thomas: The Youngest Champion in LGCT History
At just 25 years old, Gilles Thomas has rewritten the record books. Not only is he the youngest-ever LGCT Champion, but he’s also the first rider to secure the title with two stages still remaining in the season – a feat not achieved in over a decade.
Thomas’s season has been defined by consistent brilliance and unwavering determination. With an unassailable 275 points, his dominance has been absolute. Speaking after his championship-clinching performance, the Belgian star 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!”
Van der Vleuten Secures Golden Ticket to Prague
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 coveted golden ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Prague.
Speaking of his long-term partnership with Beauville Z N.O.P, van der Vleuten 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.”
A Technical Test from Uliano Vezzani
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, renowned 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. Several big names missed out on the jump-off, including Katrin Eckermann and Hans-Dieter Dreher, who both retired mid-round. Christian Kukuk, so close to the championship crown, saw his title hopes dashed when a pole fell in the final part of the course. Several unlucky four-faulters – including riders in blistering form such as Edwina Tops-Alexander, Max Kuhner and Niels Bruynseels – could only watch as the top contenders advanced.
Jump-Off Drama Unfolds
As the jump-off began, the intensity in the arena was palpable. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Katoulon were first to go but came home on 16 faults. Katharina Rhomberg and Colestus Cambridge delivered the first double clear of the class, setting a competitive pace.
Gregory Cottard on Cocaine du Val quickly took the lead in his first LGCT Grand Prix jump-off of the year, posting a time just fractionally faster than Rhomberg. However, the field was tightening, and every stride mattered.
Then came 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 what would prove to be an unbeatable target.
Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro looked sharp but a small misjudgement kept them out of contention, finishing on four faults in 34.91 seconds. Gilles Thomas and Qalista DN gave it everything, flying ahead of Harrie’s pace at the halfway point before losing fractions on the final turn to stop the clock in 34.41 seconds for second place.
Home favourite Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Coynor had the crowd roaring, but an unlucky rail brought gasps from the stands. 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 place. Both Duarte Seabra on Dourados 2 and Christian Ahlmann aboard Untouched LB ended with faults, leaving the podium set.
Championship Standings Finalised
With the LGCT Championship race now settled, Gilles Thomas’s points tally of 275 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 214 points in second place.
The focus now turns to the battle for the remaining podium positions. Christian Kukuk (208 points), Maikel van der Vleuten (198.5 points) and Andreas Schou (182 points) will all be fighting for the final championship spots. After missing out on qualification for the LGCT Grand Prix in Rome, Schou has slipped down the order, leaving the final two stages wide open for movement within the top five.
Looking Ahead to Rabat
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.
Final Results – LGCT Grand Prix of Rome:
- Harrie Smolders (NED) and Monaco – 0/0 in 34.27 seconds
- Gilles Thomas (BEL) and Qalista DN – 0/0 in 34.41 seconds
- Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and Beauville Z N.O.P. – 0/0 in 34.84 seconds