‘A rare quality’: the story of an exceptional five-star horse who kept finishing second – then finally won the big one

‘A rare quality’: the story of an exceptional five-star horse who kept finishing second – then finally won the big one

The Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders on Monaco in the World Cup at Gothenburg Horse Show in 2025.“Nobody remembers second” the famous saying goes and it’s the harsh reality of so many sports where victory is the ultimate goal. Showjumping is no exception – we all remember the winners of the Hickstead Derby, the major grands prix and even our national titles, but can you remember who finished second? For many years, one brilli…