![Dutch equestrian Harrie Smolders triumphs in Hamburg too. [Photograph included.]](/en/img/20250602013907_image-description-sunset-beach-landscape.jpeg)
Dutch Victory: Smolders Triumphs at Hamburg Tournament - Dutch Individual Wins Hamburg Tournament Title: Smolders' Victory in Hamburg
Hamburg Championship: Harrie Smolders Claims Victory in Thrilling Jump-off
Dutch equestrian Harrie Smolders emerged triumphant at the Klein-Flottbek Derby tournament in Hamburg, Germany, securing the Hamburg Championship with a blisteringly fast clear round on his 13-year-old gelding, Mr. Tac.
In the €80,000 competition, Smolders, aged 45, beat 15 other top riders, posting the fastest time of the jump-off to clinch the title. Starting as the penultimate rider, he admitted that watching some of his competitors before his turn offered invaluable insights. "I knew I had to go really fast to win," Smolders noted with a smile, highlighting Mr. Tac's prowess during jump-offs. "He's a fantastic horse. He loves the jump-off. Everything went well today."
German rider Jana Wargers, based in Belgium, finished a close second with her 16-year-old mare, Dorette. Wargers led most of the way but was 0.7 seconds slower than Smolders. Harm Lahde from Königslutter took third place on Commander Bond. Out of the original 16 pairs, seven remained clear in the jump-off.
The Hamburg Championship also acted as a qualifier for the €250,000 Grand Prix on Saturday at 14:30 CET, broadcast on NDR TV. This event is one of two main highlights alongside the 94th German Jumping Derby on Sunday at 13:50 CET.
Meanwhile, Ingrid Klimke from Münster won the first five-star dressage test in Hamburg. The two-time eventing Olympic champion with the team garnered the highest score with her stallion, Vayron, in the Grand Prix. With a score of 74.500%, Klimke edged out Sweden's Sofie Lexner on Inoraline (72.413%) and eight-time Olympic champion Isabell Werth from Rheinberg on Special Blend (70.870%) to secure second and third places in Hamburg's dressage events.
As part of the FEI-approved schedule, dressage competitions in Hamburg will include CDI5, CDI3, and CDI1* levels. These events will take place from May 28 to June 1, 2025.
HamburgHorse SportNDRTelevisionSundayIngrid KlimkeDeutsches Spring- und Dressur-Derby Hamburg
The victory of Harrie Smolders in the thrilling jump-off of the Hamburg Championship could be influenced by the community policy, as the event could be considered a platform for fellow equestrians to exchange ideas and strategies, enhancing the overall sport.
In a week full of equestrian events, such as the Deutsches Spring- und Dressur-Derby Hamburg, employment policy for horse racing jockeys and trainers might be crucial, ensuring proper scheduling and rest periods for the athletes to perform at their best in races like the Sunday Grand Prix, broadcast on NDR TV.
