Gothenburg, Sweden – February 22, 2026 – Three victories in one season is a feat rarely achieved, but that is exactly what the Netherlands’ Willem Greve (NED) accomplished aboard the 15-year-old stallion Grandorado TN N.O.P. at the 12th leg of the 2025/2026 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Western European League in Gothenburg (SWE) on Sunday.
When asked what the win meant, Greve’s first thought was for Grandorado TN N.O.P.
“I’m over the moon for my horse,” said Greve, who had already won earlier this season in Stuttgart (GER) and La Coruña (ESP) with Pretty Woman Van’t Paradijs N.O.P.
“Grandorado has been a great horse for many years, and he deserves to have this win. This one is for him. I’m really happy for him that he has such a big victory behind his name.”
It was a Dutch one-two, with compatriot Kim Emmen (NED) finishing second aboard Imagine N.O.P., while the home crowd was delighted to see Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) claim third with her long-time partner H&M Indiana.
Electric Evening
It was an electric evening inside the iconic Scandinavium as the penultimate leg unfolded in front of crowded stands. The stakes could hardly have been higher.
With valuable qualifying points still on offer, many of the 36 starters arrived in Gothenburg determined to strengthen their season tally and secure one of the coveted places at the Final in Fort Worth (USA) in April.
The course, designed by Peter Schumacher (GER), utilised every inch of the unique oval arena, built atop an ice rink, and tested combinations for accuracy and precision over a technical track comprising 16 jumping efforts. Round 1 produced just eight clear rounds inside the time allowed of 73 seconds to progress to the jump-off.
The jump-off line-up read like a roster of stars and quickly developed into an edge-of-your-seat showdown, proving every bit as technical as Round 1.
The first clear against the clock came from Emmen, who stopped the clock in 42.65 seconds. It looked a formidable target and remained unbeaten until the final combination entered the arena.
When Greve and Grandorado TN N.O.P. jumped clear and broke the beam in 42.19 seconds to secure victory, the roar inside the Scandinavium was deafening. That atmosphere is a constant draw for athletes returning to Gothenburg, with competitors lifted by the energy of the crowd, a feeling Greve admits is impossible to describe.
“The Swedish public are horse people, and it gives you a little bit extra in the ring,” said Greve. “The thing is with this show, it is a classic show, with crowds that are here for the love of the horses. I think that is what makes the show so special. So much history, and that’s something special for riders. It makes it special to perform for a crowd like that.”
Greve Hits the Top
Greve’s sensational victory secured not only his third win of the season but also 20 valuable qualification points, propelling him to the top of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2025/2026 Western European League standings on 81 points and confirming his place at the Final.
When asked about his plans and which horse he might take from his talented string, Greve admitted there is still strategy to consider before travelling to the USA.
“Actually, the first plan was Pretty Woman, but Grandorado is also in great shape, so we’ll see. We have now two weeks off… but first, we will enjoy this,” explained Greve.
With just one qualifying leg remaining before the Final, attention now turns to Helsinki (FIN) next week, where decisive Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2025/2026 Western European League points will be on offer.
Final Results – €310,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ CSI 5*-W, presented by Guldfynd
1) Willem Greve (NED) & Grandorado TN N.O.P. – 0 / 0 – 42.19
2) Kim Emmen (NED) & Imagine N.O.P. – 0 / 0 – 42.65
3) Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) & H&M Indiana – 0 / 0 – 42.90
Source: Press Release by Kirsty Pasto for the FEI – Fédération Équestre Internationale
Photos: © FEI / Kim C Lundin
