1 March 2016, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands – From 10-13 March the medieval city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands will become the focal point for international show jumping when it stages four days of exceptional equestrian sport. Indoor Brabant has attracted the world’s leading riders since its advent in 1966, and this 49th edition will be no different. The show combines elite-level show jumping and dressage, and over the years has witnessed remarkable displays of horsemanship. In order to achieve ultimate success across both disciplines, riders will need to demonstrate courage and flawless timing alongside the shared Rolex values of elegance and precision.
Indoor Brabant’s long and distinguished history, combined with the foundation of its long-term partnership with Rolex – which was extended in 2014 – has strengthened ‘s-Hertogenbosch’s position at the top of the international indoor show jumping circuit, while simultaneously attracting a greater proportion of the leading horse-and-rider combinations. Last year’s competition attracted 42 globally renowned riders and no less than 24 of the top 30 in the world rankings. This prestigious line-up included Rolex Testimonee, current World No.1 and the first and only winner of the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Scott Brash, alongside Dutch stalwart Jeroen Dubbeldam, who won both Team and Individual gold at both the World Equestrian Games 2014 and the European Championships in 2015.
THE PATH TO SUCCESS
In 2014 Rolex strengthened its partnership with Indoor Brabant, with the addition of the Rolex Grand Prix to the premier Dutch show. As the main sponsor of the event and the Title Sponsor of the Grand Prix, Rolex now offers this emblematic event the opportunity to further reinforce its position on the international show jumping circuit.
For the second year running, the action at Indoor Brabant will be staged in two arenas in front of packed crowds, creating an electrifying atmosphere for both riders and spectators. There are several CSI5* classes over four days of competition, and the Rolex Grand Prix brings the show to an exciting climax on Sunday evening.
ALL EYES ON THE ROLEX EQUESTRIAN TESTIMONEES AT ‘S-HERTOGENBOSCH
Rolex Testimonees have taken the honours in the showpiece jumping class at Indoor Brabant on four occasions since 2003. French rider Kevin Staut won the Rolex Grand Prix in 2014; Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum took back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006; while Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa and the legendary Baloubet du Rouet jumped to victory in 2003. Many of Rolex’s Testimonees are expected to return with their leading horses this year, including Rolex’s newest Testimonee and current World No.1, Scott Brash; Irish rider and Rolex’s youngest Testimonee, Bertram Allen; and leading Swiss rider and current Olympic champion, Steve Guerdat.
All eyes will be focused on Switzerland’s leading rider Steve Guerdat. The Swiss champion will be looking ahead to CHIO Aachen 2016 having triumphed in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva in December 2015. Guerdat, who is currently the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, is hoping to emulate the historic feat achieved by Scott Brash at Spruce Meadows in 2015.
As well as top class show jumping, Indoor Brabant plays host to two days of world class dressage, including the ninth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage.
At the 2014 show, Rolex Testimonee Isabell Werth won both the Grand Prix and Freestyle events. In 2015 she was narrowly beaten by Dutch champion Edward Gal, but aims to return this year to stake her claim to the prize. With three world championship titles to her name, the German rider is arguably one of the most successful and highly decorated dressage riders of all time, and travels to ‘s-Hertogenbosch with no fewer than five victories at the Brabanthallen.
ANKY VAN GRUNSVEN TAKES ON PRESIDENCY
This year, Anky van Grunsven, has assumed the role of President of the board of the Indoor Brabant International Concours Hippique Foundation, after the sudden passing of her predecessor Gerrit Jan Swinkels. Swinkels was a highly valued and integral member of the Indoor Brabant team, involved in the growth of the competition for over 40 years, and acted as president since 2002.
Van Grunsven, who first competed at Indoor Brabant when she was 16 years old, said: “It’s an honour to succeed Gerrit Jan. He did so much for Indoor Brabant, which has been a major part of my life since I first competed here. The show has come a long way over the last 40 years, and I have to thank not only our loyal competitors and spectators, but also our generous sponsors, particularly Rolex, for their continued belief in and support of this great event.” Van Grunsven looks forward to continuing from where Swinkels left off, helping Indoor Brabant maintain its status as a leading competition on the international equestrian calendar.
ROLEX’S EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE
Rolex’s support of show jumping dates back more than half a century. The prestigious Swiss watch brand’s close and long-standing association with equestrianism demonstrates its appreciation of a domain in which fair play, equality, horsemanship and tradition highlight superior skill, accuracy and achievement.
From Pat Smythe, the greatest female show jumper ever to represent Britain and Rolex’s first equestrian Testimonee in 1957, to Scott Brash, the only rider in history to win the three consecutive Majors of the Grand Slam in September 2015, Rolex continues to support riders in the three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage and eventing, all of which demonstrate qualities of excellence and perfection.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rolex SA
Virginie Chevailler
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0)22 302 2761
Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Rod Kohler
rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 (0)7770 647 662