Smolders and Von Eckermann start in ’s-Hertogenbosch
The first entries for The Dutch Masters, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, are already rolling in and two of them are definitely among the top of show jumping: world number one Henrik von Eckermann and former number one Harrie Smolders will start at the Brabanthallen from 7 to 10 March.
Never before has a Rolex Grand Slam major been won by a Dutch rider. Even the highest-ranked Dutchman on the FEI world rankings Harrie Smolders consistently missed out so far. ''I have already been third and second in the Rolex Grand Prix once so victory is still lacking. I just have to ride just a little bit faster than the rest!"
At the Grand Slam majors a lot of money can be earned and so they are of a very high sporting level. "In Den Bosch we have already seen a few times that if you have to ride in the jump-off there are always riders who push the limits. It is very difficult to win the Rolex Grand Prix.''
For the man from Hooge Mierde, The Dutch Masters is a home competition. "I came to that show as a child, it was my first contact with the international sport. That competition did inspire me to become a showjumper. In this sport, dreams can come true. Only now I have to win the Grand Prix.''
Swede Henrik von Eckermann is a strong competitor and hard to beat in the arena. The reigning world champion (individual and team) won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters in 2019 with Toveks Mary Lou. Last year, he managed to win the World Cup final with King Edward and they finished second in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 final in Geneva.
The full programme is published here. Order your tickets now and don’t miss anything of this edition of The Dutch Masters!
Photos: TDM/Digishots
Never before has a Rolex Grand Slam major been won by a Dutch rider. Even the highest-ranked Dutchman on the FEI world rankings Harrie Smolders consistently missed out so far. ''I have already been third and second in the Rolex Grand Prix once so victory is still lacking. I just have to ride just a little bit faster than the rest!"
At the Grand Slam majors a lot of money can be earned and so they are of a very high sporting level. "In Den Bosch we have already seen a few times that if you have to ride in the jump-off there are always riders who push the limits. It is very difficult to win the Rolex Grand Prix.''
For the man from Hooge Mierde, The Dutch Masters is a home competition. "I came to that show as a child, it was my first contact with the international sport. That competition did inspire me to become a showjumper. In this sport, dreams can come true. Only now I have to win the Grand Prix.''
Swede Henrik von Eckermann is a strong competitor and hard to beat in the arena. The reigning world champion (individual and team) won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters in 2019 with Toveks Mary Lou. Last year, he managed to win the World Cup final with King Edward and they finished second in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 final in Geneva.
The full programme is published here. Order your tickets now and don’t miss anything of this edition of The Dutch Masters!
Photos: TDM/Digishots