Tag Archives: Indoor Brabant

Leopold van Asten Wins Rolex Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant

12 March 2017, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands – In one of the most dramatic Grand Prix in Indoor Brabant’s long history, Leopold van Asten riding VDL Groep Zidane N.O.P. today won the Rolex Grand Prix. Established in 1967, and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, this leading show has a long history of attracting the very best riders, and with 12 of the World’s Top 20 taking part, 2017 proved to be a sporting classic which resulted in Dutch riders also taking second and third place.

The top Grand Prix in the world demand the very highest levels of skill and precision from the riders, and course designer Louis Konickx laid out a technical and challenging first round course which many found difficult to master. Despite the support of the passionate crowd willing each rider to go clear, it was not until the 24th horse and rider combination to enter the ring, home favourite Wout-Jan van der Schans riding Capetown, that they could cheer a faultless round.

From the 40 starters, just seven made it through to the jump-off, a group which included three from the host country, and two in-form Rolex Testimonees, Kevin Staut and Bertram Allen. It was clear from the cheers as the domestic riders entered the arena whom the home crowd was supporting.

First to go was van der Schans. The crowd hushed for the 40.51 seconds that he took to jump his second round of the competition, but that quickly changed to cheers when he went clear. He was followed by Lorenzo de Luca and Bertram Allen, both of whom had poles down. Next into the ring was favourite, Marc Houtzager, who matched van der Schans’ faultless round, but could not match his time. Van Asten followed him and was the first to go clear in a time under 40 seconds, and when the final rider had a pole down and a refusal, the Dutch rider and his home crowd could celebrate the famous victory.

Speaking after his victory, Leopold van Asten said, “It was a tough course, technical, big but it had everything in it. I changed my plan after walking the course, and my horse jumped really well. I could tell in the warm-up that he was in good shape and the first round went great. You have nothing to lose in a jump-off with seven riders, and it went well from the beginning, and I took a risk on the last and jumped it great, and that made me win today.”

ROLEX 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE SPORT

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of Rolex’s support of equestrianism. The British rider Pat Smythe became Rolex’s first equestrian Testimonee in 1967 and laid the foundations for the brand’s 60-year association with the world’s finest competitions and riders.

Rolex Testimonees have taken the honours in the Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant on no less than 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.

This year, five Testimonees were competing for the Grand Prix prize, home favourite Jeroen Dubbeldam, Kevin Staut from France, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, winner of the Rolex Grand Slam Scott Brash and Rolex’s youngest Testimonee Bertram Allen from Ireland. Staut and Allen both made it through to the jump-off after pristine first rounds, but both were unlucky to have single poles down to finish fifth and sixth, respectively.

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Marcus Ehning Wins Rolex Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant

Image courtesy of ROLEX.

13 March 2016, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands – Marcus Ehning rode Cornado NRW to win the Rolex Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant in the Netherlands, with Hans-Dieter Dreher in second and Willem Greve in third place.

The world’s best riders gave everything to win the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix with competitors from 13 different nations from as far as Australia, USA and Qatar. The Netherlands were the strongest represented with the home nation fielding 11 riders, followed by Germany with six and Belgium with five world-class combinations.

The Louis Koninckx designed course was a challenging and technical ask for the riders, who had to tackle a 13-fence first course set with a very tight time. From the 40 starters, just 12 went clear and within the time to make it through to the jump-off.

Commenting on his victory, Marcus Ehning said, “I was really pleased with my horse. He was fantastic – it was a great course and great fans as always here.”

It was not to be for 2015 winner Daniel Deusser from Germany, riding Cornet D’Amour, who just tipped one fence down in the second round. The jump-off thrilled the packed crowds who were on the edge of their seats as the final riders battled it out for the Rolex Grand Prix prize.

The passionate home fans had to settle for a third place with Willem Greve finishing less than one second behind the German pair of Ehning and Dreher, with only four riders managing a double-clear.

In ninth position was Rolex Testimonee, and the first and only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Scott Brash, who had one fence down early in the jump-off round.

From 10-13 March the medieval city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch became the focal point for international show jumping as it staged four days of exceptional equestrian sport. Indoor Brabant’s long and distinguished history, combined with 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.   In this 49th edition of the show, it combined both elite-level show jumping and dressage.

There were several top CSI5* jumping classes over the four days of competition, with the Rolex Grand Prix bringing the show to an exciting climax on Sunday evening.

Rolex Equestrian Testimonees Compete at ‘s-Hertogenbosch

Rolex Testimonees have taken the honours in the showpiece jumping class at Indoor Brabant on no less than 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.

Four of Rolex’s Testimonees were competing in this year’s Grand Prix, including Rolex’s newest Testimonee, Scott Brash; Kevin Staut from France; Irish rider and Rolex’s youngest Testimonee, Bertram Allen; and leading Swiss rider and current Olympic champion, Steve Guerdat. Brash finished in the highest position, after making it to the jump-off but was unlucky in tipping one pole down dropping him down to finish in ninth position.

It was not to be for Guerdat as he rode a perfect clear jumping round, but picked up just one time penalty ruling him out of the jump-off. The Swiss champion will now 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.

World Class Dressage

As well as top class show jumping, Indoor Brabant played 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. Sadly due to a late injury to her prized horse Don Johnson, Werth was forced to withdraw from the competition.

The 2016 edition was won by Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED) who steered Glock’s Flirt to a stylish victory.

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Rolex Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant Attracts the World’s Best

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.

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Virginie Chevailler
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In Memoriam: Gerrit-Jan Swinkels (NED), 1947-2015

Gerrit-Jan Swinkels (NED), President of Indoor Brabant, pictured here with his horse Tennessee W, ridden by Dutch athlete Henk van de Pol. (Photo: Jacob Melissen)

Lausanne (SUI), 26 May 2015 – Gerrit-Jan Swinkels (67), President of Indoor Brabant, the world-famous equestrian event in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED), died suddenly yesterday at the age of 67 while riding on the Belgian coast at Knokke-Heist in West Flanders.

A passionate horseman, racing driver and diplomat, Swinkels was highly respected as a visionary and renowned for his ability to bring athletes, officials, sponsors and the media together to promote equestrian sport.

He also used his natural entrepreneurial skills to make ground-breaking progress in the sport, including being a driving force as President of the Board of Directors of Springpaarden Fonds Nederland (SFN), which is dedicated to developing Jumping horses and creating winning Dutch Jumping partnerships at FEI Nations Cup™ events, FEI Championships and Olympic Games.

Swinkels became President of Indoor Brabant in 2002 and planned to hand over to his successor in 2017 during the event’s 50th anniversary.

“Gerrit-Jan was a wonderful person, and thanks to him the profile of equestrian sport has grown tremendously”, said John Roche, FEI Jumping Director. “The sport has lost one of its greatest friends, enthusiasts and supporters, and an immeasurable void has been left. We will all miss him greatly.”

Indoor Brabant has welcomed the world’s best indoor Jumping, Dressage and Driving athletes as part of the prestigious FEI World Cup™ series. The first of nine FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals was held at Indoor Brabant in 1986, with the first FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final staged here in 1994. In 2012, the first joint FEI World Cup™ Jumping and Dressage Final was then held, and many qualifiers for these series, and for the FEI World Cup™ Driving, have taken place at the Indoor Brabant.

“It has been a real honour to have Gerrit-Jan as a close personal friend,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “As well as a great sense of humour, he had the magnetism and drive needed to grow equestrian sport, and for this he was valued internationally. Indoor Brabant has been a huge success under his Presidency, with the event welcoming the world’s best indoor Jumping, Dressage and Driving athletes as part of the FEI World Cup series. The equestrian community has lost a true soul mate and my thoughts are with his wife Anja and the children.”

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Gerrit-Jan Swinkels’ family and friends, the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) and the global equestrian community.

FEI Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Kevin Staut Claims Victory in the Inaugural Rolex Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant

Sunday 23 March 2014: Rolex Testimonee Kevin Staut, riding his 14 year old mare Silvana HDC, today claimed victory by the narrowest of margins in the inaugural Rolex Grand Prix at the Indoor Brabant in The Netherlands. Only 0.01 seconds separated the Frenchman from Germany’s Marco Kutscher in second, with Penelope Leprovost in third place.

Course designer Louis Konikkx laid out a track which looked for power and control from the horse and rider combinations, and from a starting line-up which included 14 of the World’s Top 20 riders, only five responded to his challenge by going clear and into the jump-off. The capacity crowd of 8,500 enthralled spectators were then given a demonstration of why victory in the sport of Show Jumping can come down to the wire.

Penelope Leprovost, riding Nice Stephanie, was first to go in the jump-off, and went clear for the second time in the competition; her time of 43.11 seconds set the benchmark. Kevin Staut was 2nd into the arena, and a wry smile spread across Penelope’s face as he bettered her time by 0.15 seconds. Great Britain’s Joe Clee and Bertram Allen from Ireland both dropped poles, so it was all down to Marco Kutscher and Cornet’s Cristallo, who was the final rider into the ring.

Marco was fast around the course, and time seemed to stand still after he cleared the final Rolex obstacle. However, as Marco’s time appeared on the big screen Kevin realised victory was his and a huge smile and a raised arm acknowledged the cheers of celebration from the large crowd.

Now in its 47th year, Indoor Brabant is much loved by the top riders and Dutch equestrian fans alike.

Commenting on the show, Kevin said, “Indoor Brabant has history and we need shows like this one, Aachen, Spruce Meadows and Geneva. The riders feel it and want to come back to these shows. When you go into a ring like Indoor Brabant, you can feel the history and the crowds stay late every night to watch the top sport that this show delivers.”

2014 is the first year of a new partnership between Indoor Brabant and Rolex, and strengthens the show’s position as one of the top indoor competitions in the world.

Show president Gerrit-Jan Swinkels said, “Sport has been the big winner over the last few days, and that has always been the intention of this show. We thank our sponsors and particularly Rolex, who have given us the opportunity to make things extra special this year and into the future.”

Rolex is a partner to some of the greatest equestrian shows in the world, including the three Majors; CHIO Aachen, the Spruce Meadows Masters and CHI Geneva. These great shows also form the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping which is the first global initiative to reward the outstanding rider who wins the Grand Prix at each show in succession.

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Revolution Sports + Entertainment
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