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<p>A total of 35 combinations come forward to contest the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at the beautiful venue in Spruce Meadows, Calgary. These are the duos to keep an eye on this afternoon.</p>
<h3>Who are the highest-rated horses in the competition?</h3>
<p>Four of the 35 horses coming forward today are rated over 700 on Elo. Last weekend's CSI5* Grand Prix winners will be back today to try and make it a second consecutive victory. Kent Farrington and <strong>Landon </strong>won their second 5* Grand Prix of the season last weekend. We also see two strong Canadians in today's line-up. Mario Deslauriers' Emerson and Tiffany Foster's Figor will surely have the backing of the enthusiastic home crowd.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/b20b75e5-10ba-454d-9f59-a3931cbb3d6a?width=1240&amp;height=1472" alt="D Odm3 the Top 10 Elo Rated Horses for the Atco Queen Elizabeth Ii Cup (3)" /><br />&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Which horses are showing the best recent form?</h3>
<p>When we look at recent form at five-star 160 classes, who would come to mind other than last weekend&rsquo;s five-star Grand Prix winners here at Spruce Meadows. Despite only being 10 years old, Kent Farrington&rsquo;s <strong>Landon </strong>is showing the strongest form of the field at five-star 160 in 2023. Of the 12 classes he has jumped at that level, he has remained clear in 5 of them. As the clear rate of those classes indicate that the average horse would only have 2.6 of them clear, Landon is awarded a CAS value of 2.4 as he has jumped 2.4 more clears than what is considered average.</p>
<p>For the home nations, Kyle Timm's Candar Mail put in beautiful performance last weekend in his 5* 160 debut to produce a foot-perfect double clear and finish second. The pair will be back today to try and improve on last weekend's achievement.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/1a8c31c0-b8a9-49d6-95ff-35072b4541a7?width=1362&amp;height=1346" alt="Bs H9 W Which Horses Are Entering Atco Queen Elizabeth Ii Cup in Good Form  (3)" /></p>
<h3>&nbsp;<br />Which horses are stepping up today?</h3>
<p>Surprisingly, 12 of the 35 horses due to come forward in today&rsquo;s ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup will be hoping to produce their first ever clear round at five-star 160. For just one of those, this will be their first ever attempt. Conor Swail&rsquo;s <strong>Theo 160 <em>(679)</em></strong> will be making his five-star 160 debut here today. The 11-year-old has already proven to be very competitive at 150 and 155 level, which sees him enter the competition as one of the Top 10 Elo-rated horses of the field, despite never having contested a class of this level before.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Who is the youngest horse in the competition?</h3>
<p>Nine-year-old <strong>Hamrah van het Exelhof Z <em>(616)</em></strong> will be the youngest horse to compete in the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup today. Darragh Kenny&rsquo;s youngster made his five-star 160 debut here just last weekend and with success. The stallion produced a lovely clear round in his first five-star Grand Prix and made the jump-off. An unfortunate four faults saw them settle for fifth place, which is still considered a successful introduction to this level. The pair will be back today to try and improve on last weekend&rsquo;s performance and perhaps produce a double clear.</p>
<h3>Who are the oldest horses in the competition?</h3>
<p>At the age of 17, these two horses have a wealth of experience under their belt having travelled all over the world. Rowan Willis and <strong>Blue Movie <em>(643)</em></strong> were on the Australian Team for the 2018 World Equestrian Games and have formed a unique partnership together.&nbsp;<br /><strong>Seringat <em>(564)</em> </strong>too is a well-travelled horse with multiple Grand Prix victories on his record. His partnership with Patricio Pasquel however is still relatively new.</p>

It’s Grand Prix Day in Calgary: Who to Watch?

<p>The runner-up position seems to be haunting Harrie Smolders and Monaco N.O.P. For years, this pair has been producing solid results on world class scenes and have been an essential part of the successes of the Dutch team in recent months. The 14-year-old gelding currently ranks among the top 5 highest-rated horses in the world with an Elo of 779. While the win has come so close on numerous occasions, they have never managed to put their claim on one. The question starts to arise: what does winning mean? With 10 runner-up placings at 5* 160, how differently would we view Monaco N.O.P if those had been 10 wins?<br />&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Five seconds separated from eight 5* Grand Prix victories</h2>
<h3>World Cup Amsterdam 2020</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo: 648 | Margin: 0.98 seconds</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Winner: &nbsp;Marc Houtzager &amp; Sterrehof&rsquo;s Dante N.O.P. (725)</em></strong><br />Their &lsquo;curse&rsquo;, as one might refer to it, started in January of 2020 on home soil in the World Cup of Amsterdam when Monaco N.O.P. produced the first big result of his career by finishing second. Although beaten by their teammate Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof&rsquo;s Dante N.O.P., Monaco N.O.P. did manage beat other powerhouses such as Gancia de Muze, Beauville Z N.O.P. and Jasmien vd Bisschop in the jump-off.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva 2021</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo:</em><em> 740 | </em><em>Margin: </em><em>0.23 seconds</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Winner: </em><em>Martin Fuchs &amp; Leone Jei (731)</em></strong><br />Then follows an almost two-year dry spell, partially due to the Coronavirus pandemic, before we would see Monaco N.O.P. equal that performance. In the 2021 edition of the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva, the Dutch duo finished second to hometown hero Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei, yet still beating strong opponents in the jump-off like Elektric Blue P, Gazelle and Baloutinue.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>World Cup of London, ExCeL 2021</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 749 | Margin: 0.86 seconds</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Winner: Harry Charles &amp; Stardust (622)</em></strong><br />The Geneva performance set something in motion, as the following weekend Smolders and Monaco would finish second once more. This time it was Harry Charles and Stardust who would outperform them in the World Cup of London ExCel.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Rolex Grand Prix of &lsquo;s Hertogenbosch 2022</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo: 754 | Margin: 0.13 seconds</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Winner: Daniel Deusser &amp; Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z (781)</em></strong><br />Three months later, in March 2022, Smolders and Monaco N.O.P. continued the trend by finishing second on home soil, this time behind Daniel Deusser and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z in the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix of &lsquo;s Hertogenbosch. This is also the closest they have come to that desired victory, losing out by just 0.13 seconds in the jump-off.</p>
<h3>LGCT Grand Prix Saint Tropez 2022</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo: 754 | Margin: 0.38 seconds</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Winner: Malin Baryard-Johnsson &amp; H&amp;M Indiana (756)</em></strong><br />Monaco N.O.P. has never been fazed by the transition from indoor to outdoor, proven by a great weekend spent in Saint Tropez on the LGCT circuit, not long after their performance at the Dutch Masters. However, yet again they found themselves out-performed, this time by Malin Baryard-Johnsson and H&amp;M Indiana.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>LGCT Grand Prix Riyadh 2022</h3>
<p><em><strong>Elo: 756 | Margin: 0.90 seconds</strong></em><br /><em><strong>Winner: Michael Pender &amp; HHS Calais (711)</strong></em><br />Harrie and Monaco N.O.P. finished their fruitful, yet frustrating year in Riyadh for the final of the Longines Global Champions Tour. Holding onto the lead in the LGCT Grand Prix until the very last combination entered the ring, the pair could almost taste the victory they had so desperately been craving since the start of the year. Unfortunately, for the fifth time that year it was not to be for Smolders and Monaco N.O.P. as they saw Irishman Michael Pender and HHS Calais crush their dream and pip them from the win.</p>
<h3>Grand Prix of Paris, Saut Herm&egrave;s 2023</h3>
<p><em><strong>Elo: 761 | Margin: 0.68 seconds</strong></em><br /><em><strong>Winner: Victor Bettendorf &amp; Mr. Tac (687)</strong></em><br />The 2023 season seems to be evolving in a similar fashion as the previous couple of years for Monaco N.O.P. Their last stop before heading to Omaha for the 2023 FEI World Cup Finals was at the Saut Herm&egrave;s in Paris. In the CSI5* Grand Prix of Paris, they could not beat Victor Bettendorf &amp; Mr Tac&rsquo;s jump-off time and therefore added another runner-up spot to their record, continuing the trend they set in 2022.</p>
<h3>LGCT Grand Prix of Monte Carlo</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo: 776 | Margin: 1.27 seconds</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Winner: Julien Epaillard &amp; Donatello d&rsquo;Auge (746)</em></strong><br />Despite currently sporting a career-high Elo of 779, the pair had to settle for second place once again. The Longines Global Championships Tour settled in Monte Carlo, the capital of Monaco N.O.P.&rsquo;s namesake. In the LGCT Grand Prix worth &euro;1.5 million, Harrie and his 14-year-old gelding made it into a jump-off of just five combinations. The pair sped into the lead with just one duo left to compete. Unfortunately, French speed professor Julien Epaillard and Donatello d&rsquo;Auge crushed Monaco N.O.P.&rsquo;s jump-off time by 1.27 seconds and redirected Harrie and Monaco to their familiar second place.</p>
<h2>Two rails removed from two Gold medals</h2>
<h3>World Cup Finals Leipzig 2022</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo: 749 | Margin: 4 penalties</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Winner: Martin Fuchs &amp; Chaplin (755)</em></strong><br />Back in April of 2022, the pair put in a terrific effort at the World Cup Finals in Leipzig. An unfortunate four faults in the final round of jumping sent them down to a silver medal position while Martin Fuchs won the gold on Chaplin.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>World Cup Finals Omaha 2023</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo: 765 | Margin: 3 penalties</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Winner: Henrik von Eckermann &amp; King Edward (798)</em></strong><br />For the second year in a row, Harrie and Monaco N.O.P. knocked just one rail too many out of the cups to be crowned World Cup Champion. The pair were pipped by Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward, the favourites going into the competition, and were awarded with a silver medal. Nevertheless, a superb achievement.</p>
<h2><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/4ca784d6-7153-49cc-ad69-e7e7e3f005ea?width=1440&amp;height=1402" alt="W G D0b the 10 Runner up Finishes That Have Made Monaco N O P the 4th Highest Rated Horse in the World" /></h2>
<h2>What does winning mean?</h2>
<p>This fascinating collection of results produced by Harrie Smolders and Monaco N.O.P. provokes the question of what it means to win. Without a single five-star 160 win, Monaco N.O.P. has managed to build the current fourth-highest rated Elo in the world, ahead of multiple 5* Grand Prix winners like H&amp;M Indiana, Beauville Z N.O.P. and Stargold. Monaco N.O.P.&rsquo;s current Elo is built by consistently producing strong performances at the highest level, but do we look at Monaco differently because he is not yet a 5* Grand Prix winner?</p>
<p>In these eight Grand Prix classes, Monaco N.O.P. has produced a round one clear, as well as staying clear in the jump-off. In total, just <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5.34 seconds </span></strong>have kept Monaco N.O.P. from having a competition record with 8 five-star Grand Prix victories. A fraction away from being considered a living legend of the sport. To put things into perspective, if Monaco N.O.P. had won those eight events, his Elo would only be marginally higher than it is right now. The main difference would be how he is perceived by the public.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Harrie Smolders and Monaco N.O.P. have been able to seize the spotlight with eye-catching performances in the past years but have always seen the victory pass right through their fingertips. While it cannot be denied that ten runner-up placings on the world stage is an incredible achievement, considering their current form it would come as no surprise that their time to take up the centre stage is fast-approaching. Yet, we must take time to appreciate the incredible horse that Monaco N.O.P. already is.&nbsp;</p>

What Lies Between Monaco N.O.P. and a Five-Star Victory?

<p>Over the past weekend, we have seen several 10-year-old horses enforce their position among the world&rsquo;s strongest equine athletes. From the three five-star Grand Prix that took place last weekend, two were won by 10-year-old horses. Others produced solid results in other feature classes to see their Elo grow. Of the current Top 10 highest-rated ten-year-old horses, nine competed at 5* competitions over the past weekend.</p>
<h2>Meet the 10-year-old Grand Prix winners of the week.</h2>
<h3>Julien Epailard &amp; Donatello d&rsquo;Auge</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 753</em></strong></p>
<p>It was a big occasion in Monte Carlo, Monaco, where &euro;1.5 million euros was up for grabs in the LGCT Grand Prix. An opportunity like this rarely passes Julien and Donatello, already an LGCT Grand Prix winner this season, by. After winning the qualifying competition with a massive margin of 4.65 seconds, the pair had a favourable last draw in the Grand Prix. A tough track that left just 5 combinations with a clean sheet seemed no issue for the lightning-fast French combination. Playing it slightly safer in the jump-off, but still stealing the victory from Harrie Smolders and Monaco N.O.P. with a margin of 1.27 seconds.</p>
<h3>Kent Farrington &amp; Landon</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 734</em></strong></p>
<p>Across the Atlantic Ocean, the &lsquo;Pan American&rsquo; took place at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada. Kent Farrington&rsquo;s Landon managed to collect already his second five-star Grand Prix victory of the year there in front of what is always an enthusiastic Canadian crowd. A victory that boosted Landon&rsquo;s Elo by 16 points and currently makes him the seventh highest-rated 10-year-old in the world.</p>
<h2><br />Producing the crucial double clear in five-star Nations Cups.</h2>
<p><em>The Nations Cup of Aachen is one of, if not the most highly esteemed events in the world. A double clear around this track will shine long and bright on any horse or rider&rsquo;s record. In this year&rsquo;s edition, two ten-year-olds have achieved this huge performance.</em></p>
<h3>Ben Maher &amp; Dallas Vegas Batilly Z</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 738</em></strong></p>
<p>Ben and Dallas were the first pair to tackle this tough track around the Aachen arena in Round 1 of the Nations Cup and did so faultlessly. Another clear in the second round from this strong combination was a crucial part of helping Team GB climb the podium and finish second in the Aachen Nations Cup. Dallas Vegas Batilly then went on to produce another clear round in the first round of the Rolex Grand Prix to finish 14th overall.</p>
<h3>Martin Fuchs &amp; Commissar Pezi</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 719</em></strong></p>
<p>A highly pressured situation was laid in front of Martin Fuchs and Commissar Pezi in the second round of the Nations Cup of Aachen. The pair had already produced a clear around Round 1, and entered the arena as anchormen for the Swiss team. Due to a disappointing performance of their teammate Niklaus Schurtenberger, every penalty would count towards a team score. Yet, a clear round from Martin and the young Commissar Pezi would mean Switzerland would take the victory. Both horse and rider kept their cool and produced an outstanding, faultless round. A huge achievement for such a young horse.</p>
<h2><br />Rising to the occasion in Aachen</h2>
<h3>Rodrigo Pessoa &amp; Major Tom</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 752</em></strong></p>
<p>At just 10 years old, Major Tom has already taken the showjumping world by storm by being the first horse to produce two double clears around five-star Nations Cups (Sankt Gallen &amp; La Baule) this year. No Nations Cup appearance for them this weekend, but the chestnut did further establish his position as potential superstar. Producing one of just five double clears around the Rolex Major Grand Prix, Rodrigo and Major Tom finished fourth after a rail in the jump-off. This performance boosted his Elo by 6 points and makes him the third highest-rated 10-year-old in the world, just 1 point behind Donatallo d&rsquo;Auge.</p>
<h3><br />Simon Delestre &amp; Dexter Fontenis Z</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 744</em></strong></p>
<p>Throughout the week in Aachen, Dexter Fontenis has been a great partner for Simon Delestre. With a clear in Wednesday&rsquo;s Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe, they set the tone for a good weekend and despite opting not to compete in the jump-off, they finished eighth. While the French team result was rather disappointing in the Nations Cup, it was not their youngest equine team member that was at fault, as Dexter produced a clear in Round 1. The pair lined up again two days later for the Rolex Grand Prix and here too produced two solid rounds. Despite four faults in the first round, a quick second round still saw them finish in seventh place. Enough to boost their Elo by 18 points and be considered the fourth highest-rated 10-year-old in the world.</p>
<h3>Yuri Mansur &amp; Miss Blue -Saint Blue Farm</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 725</em></strong></p>
<p>This mare did not miss her Aachen debut at all. In Wednesday&rsquo;s Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe over 160, ten-year-old Miss Blue-Saint Blue Farm produced the best result of her career so far. The pair was one of eight combinations to make it into the jump-off but were in company of several fast and perhaps more experienced combinations. This was no issue for Miss Blue as she rose to the occasion and produced a foot-perfect jump-off round at a speed that not even Martin Fuchs could match and therefore scored her first ever 5* 160 victory. Miss Blue- Saint Blue Farm now ranks among the Top 10 highest-rated 10-year-olds in the world.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/f4b27d76-e324-4d0b-9736-35f2dedc0689?width=1240&amp;height=1754" alt="F N7 W9 the Current Top 10 Elo Rated Ten Year Old Horses in the World Nbsp " /></p>

The Ten-Year-Olds that are Securing their Spot among World’s Best

<p>It is not unheard of to see horses dip their feet into the 5* level at the young age of nine. Still, this can often prove to be a big ask from these young horses. Over the past weekend in Aachen, we saw three nine-year-old take on this challenge with ease and grace. Not only did they produce clear rounds, but they also proved to be competitive among the world&rsquo;s elite and beat the more experienced and more established horses in the sport.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Philipp Weishaupt &amp; Zineday&nbsp;</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 687 | 6th highest-rated 9-year-old</em></strong></p>
<p>Perhaps the most impressive achievement we have seen form a nine-year-old this weekend was produced by Philipp Weishaupt&rsquo;s Zineday. The pair jumped a clear round in the RWE Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia but opted not to contest to jump-off to save the nine-year-old&rsquo;s energy for the Rolex Grand Prix two days later. A decision that played in their favour. As the youngest horse in the Rolex Major Grand Prix of Aachen this year, Zineday produced one of just 5 double clear rounds to earn a place in the jump-off. With the fastest time but an unfortunate rail knocked, the pair completed an entire German podium. They beat strong contenders like Katanga v/h Dingeshof, Leone Jei and Ben 431, a feat that gave Zineday a 31 point boost in Elo.</p>
<h3>Richard Vogel &amp; Cepano Baloubet</h3>
<p><em><strong>Elo 712 | 1st highest-rated 9-year-old</strong></em></p>
<p>Although Cepano Baloubet is just nine years old, we already know him as a Rolex Grand Prix winner in Wellington earlier this year. Over the past weekend in Aachen Richard Vogel&rsquo;s chestnut gelding has proven that victory was no coincidence. Cepano Baloubet didn&rsquo;t touch a pole throughout the week. In Friday&rsquo;s 160 RWE Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia, the pair jumped one of 19 clears to reach the jump-off in which 16 combinations came forward. Richard and Cepano Baloubet produced a clear round in the jump-off in a time that seemed unbeatable until the last rider entered the ring, still finishing second in an extremely competitive class. The following day, the pair returned fighting in the 155 Allianz-Prize. The previous day&rsquo;s events left them hungry for more and they were sure to leave no crumbs. With over 3 seconds of margin, the pair took a spectacular victory on home soil to close off their Aachen debut. These sensational successes gave Cepano Baloubet a rise of 36 Elo-points, which now put him largely ahead of the nine-year-old ranking.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Shane Sweetnam &amp; Out of the Blue SCF</h3>
<p><em><strong>Elo 692 | 2nd highest-rated 9-year-old</strong></em></p>
<p>While not competing in the 160 feature classes, Out of the Blue SCF proved competitive at at 150 level in Aachen last week. Being bred in the USA, this was the mare&rsquo;s first outing on European soil. Ground that seems to sit well with her as she picked up three Top 12 placings. With Out of the Blue SCF, Shane Sweetnam has another young, upcoming star to add to his string. Last weekend&rsquo;s achievements gave her a 25 point Elo-boost which makes her the joint second highest-rated nine-year-old in the world today, equal with Just Be Gentle.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/d32b0440-1873-440e-89b5-04c2aceec06f?width=1240&amp;height=1754" alt="94f6 O the Current Top 10 Elo Rated Nine Year Old Horses in the World Nbsp  (1)" /></p>

The Nine-Year-Olds Announcing their Arrival on World Scene in Aachen

<p>It&rsquo;s been quite the week in the showjumping world with not one, not two, but three prestigious five-star competitions taking place at the same time. The highlight for most was CHIO Aachen, aptly named &lsquo;the Mecca of Show Jumping&rsquo; which hosted a 5* Nations Cup, as well as the Rolex Major Grand Prix worth &euro;1.5 million. The same amount of prize money was up for grabs in the LGCT Grand Prix of Monaco, while Spruce Meadows in Calgary hosted the CSI5* Pan American.</p>
<h3>New Record Reached and Lost</h3>
<p>Thanks to his win in the LGCT Grand Prix of Stockholm two weeks ago, Kind Edward had reached a new Elo record of 805. The reigning World Champions then set off to Monte Carlo for the next leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour. A clear and fourth place in the Grand Prix Qualifier saw the King improve on that record and reach an Elo of 806. In their current form, Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward were obvious favourites for the win in the LGCT Grand Prix of Monaco but with two poles rolling out of the cups saw their chances and their Elo drop. While the chestnut is still the highest-rated horse in the world, his Elo has dropped back to 803.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/5de9ed2a-8873-4850-a26a-fbe223c73c19?width=1040&amp;height=840" alt="I Ufhx King Edward S Elo Evolution in 2023 (3)" />&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Heartbreak for HH Azur</h3>
<p>Perhaps the most heartbreaking story to come out of last weekend is the Grand Prix retirement and the overall career retirement of HH Azur. McLain Ward and HH Azur were in the running to claim the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping at Aachen, but two early rails saw their chances crushed. After the competition, McLain announced that HH Azur would no longer return to the competition arena and will be retired at the age of 17. This leaves a spot in the Top 10 highest-rated horses up for grabs.</p>
<h3>Building an Elo on Runner-Up Placings</h3>
<p>For the seventh time in his career, Monaco N.O.P. sees the 5* 160 win pass through his fingertips as he settles for second. The 14-year-old gelding produced a superb double clear round but couldn&rsquo;t match Donatello d&rsquo;Auge&rsquo;s jump-off time to take the win. While this surely is frustrating, it did give Monaco N.O.P. a two-point increase in Elo, now sporting a career high of 779, fourth highest-rated in the world. As HH Azur has announced her retirement and Explosion W currently recovering from an injury, could we see Monaco N.O.P. enter the top 3 Elo-rated horses without ever having recorded a win at 5* level?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/b99ea5cb-f191-4b90-839a-1f66a94819c5?width=1240&amp;height=1704" alt="I U Kr3 the Current Top 10 Elo Rated Horses in the World" /><br />&nbsp;</p>
<h3>One man&rsquo;s loss is another man&rsquo;s gain</h3>
<p>While for one, Aachen has been a way to build their Elo, the other has seen their Elo plummet. The reigning European Champions Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria entered CHIO Aachen with the expectations of producing solid results on home soil, before attempting to prolong their European title later this summer. Unfortunately, they saw a couple of rails roll out of the cups throughout the weekend which caused DSP Chakaria to lose 7 Elo points and drop out of the Top 10 highest-rated horses. With an Elo of 759, she now settles in 15th, a place she shares with Katanga v/h Dingeshof. Unlike DSP Chakaria, Katanga v/h Dingeshof&rsquo;s outing in Aachen did nothing but boost her Elo. She produced a crucial double clear in the Nations Cup with Nicola Philippaerts in the saddle on Thursday to help Team Belgium take up a spot on the podium. On Sunday, the pair once more brough their A-Game and didn&rsquo;t touch a single rail. Unfortunately, a time penalty kept them out of the jump-off for the win and saw them settle for sixth place.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/1a23bf93-d68d-4e26-92e2-6eb566287781?width=752&amp;height=384" alt="Dsp Chakaria Vs Katanga" /></p>

Shakers & Movers: Who’s Up & Who’s Down?

<p>This may well be the most exciting week for showjumping professionals and enthusiasts alike. CHIO Aachen brings the world's leading equestrian and equine athletes together to compete in front of an excited and knowledgeable audience. On tonight's programme, we have the first feature class of the week. The Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe is a competition with a jump-off over a height of 160. With last year's winner and the reigning European Champions among the entries, it is sure to be a thrilling competition. Who are the favourites to win and who will challenge them?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The Favourites</h2>
<h3>McLain Ward &amp; Contagious</h3>
<p><strong>Elo 769 | Win 7% | Podium 16% | Clear 52%</strong></p>
<p>This is a horse that thrives in Aachen. This hyper-competitive duo recorded two 160 wins here last year, including this Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe. They are present here this year off the back of producing the only double clear on home soil in Nations Cup of San Juan Capistrano on similar grass turf.</p>
<h3>Andre Thieme &amp; DSP Chakaria</h3>
<p><strong>Elo 766 | Win 6% | Podium 15% | Clear 52%</strong></p>
<p>The reigning European Champions are already 5* Grand Prix winners this year in Rome. They were a part of the winning team in this arena here last year and now come in as the home favourite with huge ability.</p>
<h3>Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz</h3>
<p><strong>Elo 767 | Win 6% | Podium 15% | Clear 52%</strong></p>
<p>A horse that is on route to producing a record-breaking 10-year-old season. He sports one of the highest clear rates at 5* 160 in 2023 (83%).</p>
<h2><br />The Challengers</h2>
<h3>Ben Maher &amp; Faltic HB</h3>
<p><strong>Elo 764 | Win 6% | Podium 15% | Clear 52%</strong></p>
<p>This pair returned strongly from a long competition break with 75% clear rounds jumped so far. They have already produced a double clear in the 5* Nations Cup of La Baule and have proven to be fast in a jump-off when they need to.</p>
<h3>Rodrigo Pessoa &amp; Major Tom&nbsp;</h3>
<p><strong>Elo 746 | Win 5% | Podium 13% | Clear 50%</strong></p>
<p>This stunning gelding is on incredible form. Currently the second-highest rated 10-year-old in the world behind favourite James Kann Cruz. The only horse that has already produced two double clear rounds in 5* Nations Cups (St Gallen &amp; La Baule).</p>
<h3>Steve Guerdat &amp; Dynamix de Belheme</h3>
<p><strong>Elo 739 | Win 5% | Podium 12% | Clear 47%</strong></p>
<p>This 10-year-old has proven to be a strong performer. They have been especially competitive at 150-155 level, but they have already produced a number of solid results at 160 too. A good round today could confirm their form.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/6ed95dc6-e7a9-4a24-8a7c-399c600b9659?width=1435&amp;height=717" alt="Pc   Prize of Europe" /></p>

CHIO Aachen 2023: Who Will Triumph in the Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe?

<p>A total of 41 combinations will come forward today in the Longines Grand Prix of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The home audience will see 17 of their own take part in this riveting challenge. Will they be treated to a home win today?</p>
<h2>The Favourites</h2>
<h3>Jur Vrieling &amp; Fiumicino van de Kalevallei</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 740</em></strong><br />Jur was an integral part of the home team winning Friday&rsquo;s Nations Cup. For the Grand Prix, he is opting for Fiumicino van de Kalevallei, coming in as the highest-rated horse in the field. Can he score the double win today?</p>
<h3>Daniel Coyle &amp; Legacy</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 725</em></strong><br />Daniel was triumphant in this Grand Prix last year and is motivated to clinch a second consecutive win here today. However, from the four 5* 160s Legacy has already jumped so far this year, they have yet to produce a clear. Will today be the day?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><br />The Challengers</h2>
<h3>Harrie Smolders &amp; Uricas van de Kattevennen</h3>
<p><em><strong>Elo 690</strong></em><br />The man on form this week has elected to ride the 11-year-old stallion in the Grand Prix today. Uricas v/d Kattevennen is relatively new to this level of competition but has recently proven he is up to the challenge. The pair come here off the back of their first five-star Grand Prix win in Sankt Gallen three weeks ago.</p>
<h3>Lars Kersten &amp; Hallilea</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 668</em></strong><br />Another relatively inexperienced duo at this level. U25 rider Lars Kersten and his homebred Hallilea have only jumped three 5* 160 classes this year, but with 2 clears produced they sport the best clear rate of all Dutch combinations competing today.</p>
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<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-Tmylf" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="The Top 10 Elo-rated Horses for the Longines Grand Prix of Rotterdam" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Tmylf/3/" height="968" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe></p>

Rivalry in Rotterdam: Who Wins the Grand Prix?

<p>A total of 36 combinations come forward today to compete in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower. The capital city of France hosts the eights leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour. Who are the horses and riders to follow?</p>
<h2>The Favourites</h2>
<h3>Simon Delestre &amp; Cayman Jolly Jumper</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 770</em></strong><br />In their own capital city, this pair will be backed by an enthusiastic French audience. At 11 years old, Cayman Jolly Jumper is the youngest horses in the Top 10 Elo-rated horses in the world today and is the highest-rated horse in the field today. So far this year, this French fireball has maintained 54.6% clear rate in 5* 160 classes, but have yet to claim a Grand Prix victory. Can they add a win to their record today?&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Andreas Schou &amp; Darc de Lux</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 764</em></strong><br />This pair stole our hearts at the FEI World Cup finals in April and has continued to impress throughout the spring season. They have competed in two LGCT Grand Prix so far this year and have yet to knock a pole. Can they make it a hattrick of clean jumping around the LGCT Grand Prix?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The Challengers</h2>
<h3>Julien Epaillard &amp; Donatello d&rsquo;Auge</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 742</em></strong><br />Another duo that will be strongly backed by the home crowd. Donatello d&rsquo;Auge is one of the Top 3 highest-rated 10-year-old horses in the world today. When it comes to a jump-off this pair is lightning fast, a fact they proved once more three weeks ago in Saint Tropez where they took the win in the LGCT Grand Prix. Will they make it a second consecutive LGCT Grand Prix victory?</p>
<h3>Marlon Modolo Zanotelli &amp; Like a Diamond van het Schaeck</h3>
<p><strong><em>Elo 728</em></strong><br />Last year&rsquo;s LGCT Grand Prix winner of Paris is back to defend her honour. Despite only having jumped her first 160 of the year here yesterday, we know this high-spirited mare has already taken a liking to competing under the Eiffel Tower. Can they score the double?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Four to Follow: Who Will Prevail in Paris?

<p>Eight nations come forward for the third leg of the European Division 1 of the Longines FEI Nations Cup Series in Rotterdam. Not the home nations, but their neighbours come in as favourites to take the win.</p>
<h3>Belgium (Win 27% - Podium 61%)</h3>
<p>Belgium lines out an experienced team of riders for the Nations Cup of the Netherlands today. Their pathfinder is the young, but vastly experienced Gilles Thomas who comes forward on <strong>Aretino 13 (707)</strong>. While Pieter Devos has represented Belgium on numerous occasions in team competitions, his 10-year-old <strong>Nascar van &lsquo;t Siamshof (651)</strong> will be making his five-star Nations Cup debut today. Perhaps the strongest combination on the team today is Niels Bruynseels and <strong>Delux van T&amp;L (733)</strong>. The pair currently sport a 57.1% clear rate at five-star 160 level. Jerome Guery will be Belgium&rsquo;s anchorman today on <strong>Cristel (713)</strong>. Their rounds could be crucial to the team&rsquo;s performance, but it must be noted that out of 12 5* 160 rounds jumped in 2023, Cristel has only produced 2 clears.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br />France (Win 23% &nbsp;- Podium 62%)</h3>
<p>While the French team might include some inexperienced horses, they are still one of the favourites for a spot on the podium. While Olivier Perreau&rsquo;s <strong>GL Events Dorai d&rsquo;Aiguilly (701)</strong> and Francois Xavier Boudant&rsquo;s <strong>Brazyl du Mezel (711)</strong> made their five-star Nations Cup debuts in Sankt Gallen and La Baule respectively, for <strong>Croqsel de Blaignac (662)</strong> and <strong>Dialou Blue PS (705)</strong> this will be their first five-star Nations Cup appearance. With the vastly experienced Kevin Staut in the saddle, Dialou Blue PS will serve as anchorman in his first five-star team competition. A reasoned decision from the French Chef d&rsquo;Equipe, as the 10-year-old sports an 80% clear rate at 5* 160 level so far this year.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><br />Norway (Win 13% &nbsp;- Podium 43%)</h3>
<p>It&rsquo;s a family affair for the Norwegian team today. Anchorman Geir Gulliksen will compete alongside his son and daughter to defend their home nations. Daughter Victoria Gullikssen rides the highest-rated horse on the team with <strong>Equine America Papa Roach (699)</strong>.</p>
<h3><br />Netherlands (Win 13% &nbsp;- Podium 40%)</h3>
<p>The home nation has opted for a mix of experience and inexperience on home soil today. With <strong>Long John Silver 3 N.O.P. (712)</strong> as pathfinder and <strong>Monaco N.O.P. (773)</strong> as the anchorman, they have brought out two of their strongest competitors. Alongside them, nine-year-old <strong>O&rsquo;Bailey vh Brouwershof (641)</strong> will make his second appearance on the team and <strong>VDL Groep Iron Z (532)</strong> will be contesting his first ever 5* Nations Cup.</p>
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<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-FJpVZ" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Belgium are favourites (27%) for Rotterdam Nations Cup ahead of the competition, France (23%) are close competitiors. With Norway &amp;amp; The Netherlands not out the running with 13% win chances" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FJpVZ/1/" height="612" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Split Bars" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
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Neighboring Rivalry: Belgium Favored to Win in Rotterdam

<p>A total of eight teams come forward in today's CSIO5* Nations Cup of Poland. Who are the favourites to win?</p>
<h3>Switzerland (31% win - 73% podium)</h3>
<p>Elian Baumann's 12-year-old <strong>Little Lumpi E (679)</strong> will be the pathfinder for Switzerland today and he will be followed by three of Switzerland's best 10-year-old horses in the sport. Both Steve Guerdat's<strong> Is-Minka (694)</strong> and Martin Fuchs'<strong> Commissar Pezi (702)</strong> rank among the Top 20 10-year-old horses in the world right now and with their experienced pilots in the saddle are sure to put up a strong fight today.</p>
<h3>Germany (28% win - 71% podium)</h3>
<p>The German team have the advantage of bringing forward the highest-rated horse in the competition today. Reigning European Champions Andre Thieme and<strong> DSP Chakaria (769)</strong> will be the third of the Germans to compete today. They also have a strong anchorman in Gerrit Nieberg and <strong>Blues d'Aveline (707)</strong>.</p>
<h3>Belgium (16% win - 52% podium)</h3>
<p>The first duo to come forward for the Belgian team today has already showed a liking to the Sopot arena. Just two days ago, Koen Vereecke and <strong>Lector vd Bisschop (641)</strong> claimed victory in the five-star Grand Prix. Can they produce another two clear rounds for the team today and score the double?</p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-50HVi" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Switzerland come into the Sopot Nations Cup as favorites, Germany comes forward with the highest-rated horse in the field, DSP Chakaria (Elo 768)&nbsp;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/50HVi/1/" height="729" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Grouped Bars" data-external="1"></iframe></p>

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