Hometown Hopefuls Take On World Cup Winners for Victory in Amsterdam
Highway TN, Beauville Z, and Monaco return to Dutch soil this weekend, setting the stage for an unforgettable World Cup showdown in Amsterdam as the battle for a spot in the Finals reaches its peak.
The penultimate stretch of the Western European World Cup season lands in Amsterdam. With just Amsterdam, Bordeaux, and Gothenburg left before the Finals, riders and horses are giving it their all to secure coveted qualification spots. Among the incredible lineup, Amsterdam boasts a star-studded field featuring three of the Top 6 rated horses in the world and a host of previous World Cup winners from the 2024/2025 season.
The Top Contenders to Watch
Amsterdam promises to deliver a clash of giants, as elite horses and riders aim to claim victory. Beauville Z enters the event as the favorite, riding the momentum of a career-high Elo rating of 794, an achievement only four horses in history have surpassed. With a stellar season that includes third place in Madrid, ninth in La Coruña, and second in Basel, Beauville Z has established itself as one of the most consistent and formidable competitors in the sport. With the support of the home crowd, Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville will be sure to deliver a strong performance in the Dutch capital.
Steve Guerdat’s Dynamix de Belheme, the reigning Individual Olympic Silver medalist, also joins the field as a serious contender. While her form has dipped slightly, she remains a powerhouse, with her Stuttgart win in November serving as a reminder of her capabilities. Although she skipped Leipzig, she is expected to return to the spotlight in Amsterdam.
Another favourite for the home crowd will undoubtedly be Harrie Smolders and the legendary Monaco. Fresh off theirRolex Grand Slam win in Geneva, Monaco has ended an era of near-misses after 11 runner-up finishes at the 5* 160 level. With this being his first major outing of 2025, fans are eager to see if Monaco can sustain his momentum and add another feather to his cap in front of the Dutch crowd.
Previous Winners Return to Compete
Adding to the excitement, four of this season’s previous World Cup winners are confirmed to compete in Amsterdam. Highway TN N.O.P., last weekend’s winner in Leipzig, will enjoy the advantage of competing on home soil. With two of their three major five-star wins coming at Dutch shows, including the Grand Prix of Rotterdam in 2023 and the Rolex Grand Prix of ‘s-Hertogenbosch in 2024, Highway TN and Willem Greve have proven to be a winning combination in front of their home crowd.
Julien Epaillard and Donatello d’Auge, victorious in the World Cup leg in Basel, are a pair to watch as well. With eight wins at the 5* 160 level, they consistently rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Robert Whitaker and Vermento, winners of the Helsinki, are another strong contender. This combination has been on excellent form in the World Cup series, with top-ten finishes in Madrid, La Coruña, and London boosting him into third place on the current Western European World Cup standing.
We will also see the Madrid World Cup winners, Piergiorgio Bucci and Hantano, enter Amsterdam fresh off their first victory at this level.
Rising Stars and Legends in the Spotlight
Beyond the established champions, several other horses and riders are poised to make their mark in Amsterdam. Martin Fuchs and Conner Jei, who placed fifth in Leipzig last weekend, are pushing for crucial World Cup points to confirm their place in the Finals.
Meanwhile, Imperial HBF has been on a stellar run, with recent top-five finishes in Stuttgart, London, and Basel, boosting their Elo to 742. This pair’s trajectory suggests they may already have enough points to secure a spot in Basel, but another strong performance in Amsterdam would eliminate any doubt.
Adding a touch of inspiration, Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot, the EquiRatings Horse of the Year, continues to defy expectations. At 20 years old, Rokfeller is still competing at the highest level and is expected to captivate audiences yet again under the saddle of Spain’s Eduardo Alvarez Aznar.
As the season nears its climax, every round counts, and riders must balance risk and reward as they vie for valuable World Cup points. Amsterdam promises to set the stage for an unforgettable showdown, featuring legendary horses, rising stars, and seasoned champions fighting for glory. With the Finals in Basel just around the corner, all eyes are on Amsterdam to see who will rise to the occasion and cement their place among the world’s best.