The Stable Magazine - April 2016

FEINEWS
Harry Smolders
Photo: © Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans/Fei
Thrilled
It was their time in the second round that separated Smolders and Deusser, the Dutchman’s quicker trip
giving him the edge. Smolders was delighted with the performance of his stallion, Emerald and really
enjoyed the whole experience of the 2016 Final. “I was very thrilled because this was his (Emerald’s) first
championship and he convinced me in every way this week. He’s a very attractive horse and he loves the
atmosphere here. I must say it was great sport and super exposure of how our sport should be, the audience,
the course designing, everything was very good publicity for our sport. Also to have this kind of money from
Longines is just as it should be.”
Third-placed Deusser said he had no regrets about his placing. “I made a stupid mistake on the second day
and that’s why I’m third, but the sport has been really strong this weekend. When I walked the secondround
course I was quite impressed, it was big! I saw Steve in the warm-up and we actually laughed and went
“waaahhhhh!”. I said to him if we are still on the podium in the top three after the second round I’m happy
with that, and he laughed and said ‘me too!”. In the end that’s how it finished and for me that’s a reason to
be happy today!” he said.
The fun and games on the presentation podium underlined the great sportsmanship and the tremendous
spectacle enjoyed by everyone in Gothenburg this weekend. All the riders had every reason to be proud of
their contribution a great event, but Guerdat looked to be the proudest man of all as he finished up this
evening on a poignant note.
Asked if he had the opportunity to share his success with his father, Philippe Guerdat who was at the show
as Chef d’Equipe for the French, the double-champion said, “yes.....we saw each other...he’s been a rider
himself so he knows what it’s about, we come from the same life, the same world so we don’t need to talk too
much or see each other too often. We just love each other, and those moments belong to him as much as they
belong to me - like father and son.”
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