Dutch Delight as Bas Moerings Claims the €102,500 VDL Groep Prize CSI 5*

By Jumper News on 2026-03-14

‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands – March 13, 2026 – The Dutch Masters, the first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the calendar year, began yesterday in ’s-Hertogenbosch, bringing together the world’s leading horse and rider combinations for four days of elite competition. Among Friday’s highlights was the €102,500 VDL Groep Prize CSI 5*, where 38 riders took to the arena, each aiming to secure their place in the show’s pinnacle class, the Rolex Grand Prix.

The first to master the challenging 1.55m track set by longstanding course designer Louis Konickx was sixth to go – home favourite Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) , who delivered a superb clear round with the experienced Beauville Z N.O.P. Just one horse later, Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt (GER) followed suit, ensuring that there would be a jump-off.

A further 12 riders, including five-time Rolex Grand Slam Major winner Martin Fuchs (SUI), reigning individual World Champion Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), as well as four additional riders from the home nation, delivered faultless rounds to secure their place in the jump-off. Their performances set the stage for a fiercely competitive second round in front of the passionate and knowledgeable crowd at the Brabanthallen.

After a short break, the riders returned to the arena to tackle the shortened course in the same order as the first round. This meant that Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) was first to enter the electric atmosphere of the Main Arena; however, a single fence fell.

Sixth to go, and the first to produce a double clear, was Belgium’s Thibeau Spits (BEL), who set the benchmark in a time of 42.46 seconds. The atmosphere in the Main Arena intensified as Dutch rider Harrie Smolders (NED), riding Monaco, took the lead with just four combinations remaining.

His compatriot Bas Moerings (NED), however, soon raised the bar, stopping the clock 3.20 seconds quicker than Smolders to claim the VDL Groep Prize aboard Ipsthar.

The Swedish rider Petronella Andersson (SWE) came closest to his time with Odina van Klapscheut and finished second.

Speaking after his victory, Moerings said: “I am so excited and thrilled to have won this class – if you look at the past winners it is incredible to have my name among them. This is a big class at one of the biggest events in the world. My horse is my best friend – what he does for me is amazing. He [Ipsthar] will rest tomorrow and then I will jump him on Sunday in the Rolex Grand Prix.”

Final Results – €102,500 VDL Groep Prize CSI 5*

1) Bas Moerings (NED) & Ipsthar – 0 / 0 – 38.91

2) Petronella Andersson (SWE) & Odina van Klapscheut – 0 / 0 – 41.43

3) Harrie Smolders (NED) & Monaco – 0 / 0 – 42.11

FULL RESULTS

Source: Press Releases from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping & The Dutch Masters