James Smith & Juno Rose 23 Jump to Stardom in the €30,600 CHG Grand Prix CSI 2*

By Jumper News on 2025-03-18

Oliva Nova, Valencia – March 16, 2025 – James Smith (GBR) and the 11-year-old mare Juno Rose 23 (Erdento x Nissan Caretano Z) won Sunday’s €30,600 CHG – Construcciones Hispano Germanas S.A – Grand Prix CSI 2* – 1.45m at Centro Ecuestre Oliva Nova in Spain, where the third part of Spring MET 2025 kicked off earlier this week.

Crossing the finish line in 37.82 seconds in a jump-off between eleven horse-and-rider combinations, the British rider bested a field of 61 participants. Pål Flam (NOR) and Mega Special DC (I’M Special de Muze x Landadel) took the runner-up spot in a time of 38.06 seconds, while Taisie de Gruchy (GBR) on La Presley CJS (Cicero Z x Lancelot) placed third in 38.34, followed by Sacha Beghuin (BEL) on Elcup Van Beek II Z (Elvis Ter Putte x Armitage) in fourth in 38.35 and Benny Naessens (BEL) aboard Gatsby du Tillard (President x Diamant de Semilly) in fifth in 39.64.

“It was a great class,” the happy winner said afterwards. “I was first to go in the jump-off. I know my mare is naturally fast, so I didn’t take any crazy risks but stayed as tight as possible. She is such a trier and always gives her all for me. She also won Friday’s world ranking class. With the two out of two, I think it’s safe to say she likes it here in Oliva – as do we.”

Spring MET III 2025 continues next week and runs until March 30^th, followed by Spring MET IV in April.