Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida claimed victory tonight in the Stal van der Haar Prize. The Portuguese top rider guided Solidat (by Semper Fi) to a faultless round in the two-phase 1.45m class, finishing in an impressive 25.58 seconds. Almeida was significantly faster than Harrie Smolders with Mr. Tac (by Nonstop), who clocked in at 0/27.16. Pim Mulder also made it to the podium in this second international class of the day. After securing second place in the 1.40m, the rider from Overijssel added a third-place finish with Dunaghmore (by Ustinov).

Grandorado TN in Form

Several top riders used this qualifier for the Grand Prix as preparation for the bigger challenges coming later this weekend. Among them was Willem Greve, who allowed Grandorado TN N.O.P. to stretch out in spectacular fashion, finishing with just one time fault.

Sharp Turns and Long Lines

Many riders took full advantage of the course designed by Quintin Maertens, which featured two sharp turns early in the second phase, followed by two long galloping lines.

Seventh Victory for Solidat

Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida’s experienced mount, Solidat—a horse bred with the dam line of Priamus Z, ridden by Vincent Voorn—was in perfect form for the Stal van der Haar Prize. Almeida confidently took risks, delivering an unbeatable time. This marks Solidat’s twelfth podium finish and seventh win in the past four months, earning Almeida over €7,000 in prize money.

Mr. Tac Shines Again

Harrie Smolders finished as runner-up with Mr. Tac, a horse he recently took over from Victor Bettendorf. Smolders has been enjoying significant success with Mr. Tac, including victories in the Grand Prix of Maastricht and a second-place finish in the Grand Prix of Mechelen.

Second Podium Finish for Pim Mulder

Pim Mulder’s impressive form continued, as he climbed onto the podium for the second time today. His preparation for Jumping Amsterdam clearly paid off. Four Dutch riders followed in positions 4 through 7: Michael Greeve with Luka-Cara, Kim Emmen with Island V G, Maikel van der Vleuten with Dywis HH, and Leopold van Asten with VDL Groep Kwienbellie.

‘We Really Went for the Win’

“Slowing down is not an option at Jumping Amsterdam, thanks to the amazing audience and great courses,” said Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida. “That’s why I bring my best horses and aim to go as fast as possible. I’m so happy with how tonight went and how Solidat fought for me. We really went for the win together. Riding a horse like this makes the sport much easier for me as a rider. Tomorrow, I’ll ride him in the Grand Prix.”

‘The Horses Are Well Looked After Here’

“Jumping Amsterdam is an incredible event with an amazing atmosphere,” Almeida added. “The horses are well taken care of here. We have all the facilities to make winning possible.”

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