Messi Van 't Ruytershof’s Rotterdam Rehearsal for European Gold

There has been no shortage of superstars in Germany over the last 5 years and it is easy to be drawn to others - Stargold with Ehning at Aachen in 2023, DSP Chakaria with Thieme at the Europeans and then Aachen, Checker 47 and Kukuk in Paris.

With those combinations tuning heads, it might have been easy to overlook this partnership. Quietly, Messi Van 't Ruytershof and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermannthey have been building one of the most impressive runs of form in the sport over the last two years. They now head to Rotterdam this weekend for the final rehearsal before the Europeans where the numbers predict them for gold.

European Championship Favourites and 2025 1.60 form.

According to early EquiRatings Predictions, Messi Van 't Ruytershof enters the European Championships with a 10% win chance - the highest of any combination.

This horse has 42 five star 1.60 rounds in his career and 26 clears, a career top-level clear rate of 62%. Of horses in Rotterdam this weekend with 10 or more rounds; this is the highest clear rate. 

In terms of recent form, this year alone, Messi Van 't Ruytershof has 5 clears from 6 rounds at 1.60. It’s on a par with Cian O’Connor’s Iron Man - also in Rotterdam. Don’t miss the recent form of Adrian Schmid and Nina Mallevaey also. 

The Individual European Challengers

The European Championships won't roll over easily. Point Break and Ben Maher (GBR) lead the chasing pack with a 7% win probability, backed by serious credentials. The Swedish stallion ranks as the world's second-highest rated horse on Elo behind only King Edward, and his trajectory continues upward. Their numbers speak volumes: a 65% clear rate over the past twelve months at the 5-star 1.60m level and a World Cup qualifier victory in Lyon.

Ermitage Kalone and Gilles Thomas (BEL) have an early prediction of 5% individual win chance, though their Elo rating matches Messi's - suggesting the gap between the top contenders remains razor-thin. Elektric Blue P and Max Kühner (GER) also have a 5% win chance while the ten year old Casual DV Z ridden by Pieter Devos (BEL) has a 4% win chance, having jumped clear in 4 of their 9 five-star 1.60 rounds this year (44%). 

The German Team’s Depth

Behind the statistical leader stands a German squad overflowing with options. The nominated entries for the Europeans highlight just how strong this team is, with multiple combinations boasting standout records and serious selection potential.

Sophie Hinners has three choices; Iron Dames Singclair (four from four clears in 2025), Iron Dames My Prins, a World Cup leg winner, and Iron Dames Combella, who was previously ridden by Shane Sweetnam.

Christian Kukuk's Just Be Gentle impressed at Aachen, while Jörne Sprehe's Sprehe Hot Easy jumped double clear in Abu Dhabi contributing to Germany’s win in the opening leg of the Longines League of Nations last year.

Early predictions show the German team have a 23% win chance, with Messi Van 't Ruytershof no longer being considered the support act to Germany's more celebrated combinations but as the team's leader. Germany’s selection for the other team spots will be as competitive as the Championship itself.

Rotterdam: The Final Rehearsal

Messi Van 't Ruytershof and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann line up in Rotterdam this weekend for what could be their final major outing before La Coruña. It’s a key chance to fine-tune their partnership and make a statement to their European rivals. The German team enter with a 23% win chance today - the exact same as their European Championships prediction - making this weekend an important preview of what’s to come. 

Who is going to win the European Championships?